Our special day...

Some of us wanted to be one for as long as we can remember. Others had no such plans, but became one anyway.

Some of us tried to become one for many years, with countless losses or "failures" along the way, while others became one easily or even accidentally. Some are still trying desperately to join the club. Some of us became one by adoption or court order. Others became one due to the death of a loved one or friend. Some of us became one through marriage. Some of us have no stinkin' clue how it happened, but here we are anyway.

Some of us never had the chance to ever hold the small miracle that made us one. Some have made the excruciating decision to not raise that miracle because we knew it was not the best thing for him or her. Others have been forced into that decision against their will.

Some of us helped make someone one, whether that was intentionally or accidentally. All of us were the reason someone become one, whether it was for the first time or the nineteenth.

Some of us never met ours. We may or may not have had someone step in to take her place. Some of us wish we had been able to spend more time with ours. Others wish we had spent less with them, or had more healthy relationships.

We have cried tears of joy for those little miracles in our lives. We have cried tears of sorrow at their loss. We have cried tears of frustration when we absolutely have no idea what the heck we are supposed to be doing now that we're here. We have cried tears of amazement, both good and bad, over things they have done. We have wished we could cry when we were overcome on their behalf.

Some of us know instinctively exactly what to do in each and every situation. Others have absolutely no clue, and it shows. Most of us struggle with our actions and decisions from time to time.

Some of us get to celebrate our special day while surrounded by our offspring. Some prefer to spend their special day alone, relaxing or doing anything that just is not possible with little ones to "help." Others are separated involuntarily by distance, estrangement, the walls of a jail cell, or even death. Some of us do not wish to celebrate at all, while others throw massive family parties.

For all of my fellow mothers out there, whether it was biologically or because we stepped in to fill the role, today is your day. May it be blessed. For all of us who have mothers, good or bad, living or dead, known or unknown, today is also your day. May you find peace with your situation.

Happy Mother's Day, everyone!