Happy Mother's Day

For the past several years, my mother and I have vacationed in Sandestin for Mother's Day Weekend. I treasure this week we have together - talking, shopping, eating, laying out and relaxing. And I think, as I get older, I have a deeper appreciation not only for our vacation time but also for our close relationship.

Over the years, our friends and acquaintances have noted how similar my mother and I are. For most mothers and daughters, this would be a routine comment. But, in our case, it is extra-ordinary: I am adopted. My mother is blonde and I'm Asian. So when others say, "Oh my gosh, your Beverly's daughter" without my having to say so, it is clear exactly how similar we are.

I suppose it is rather amazing that a biologically unrelated individual can be so similar to another. But, I think that demonstrates the amazing power of motherhood - the tenderness and affection that only a mother can show.

While laying out on the beach Wednesday, we had a visual reminder of motherly love and adoption. This reminder perched on the beach in front of us.

Mom and I watched closely as they interacted with one another - building sandcastles, talking and running on the beach.

It was a lovely blessing to witness and share in their joy.

I watched in awe of this young family. I thought about the courage it took for them to adopt an African American child in this day and age when our nation still struggles with racial relations. I thought about the courage this little girl will possess by growing up "black" in a "white" family. I wondered what their adoption story entailed because I know, with adoption always comes a special story. I wondered what story this little girl had before being adopted. I thought about how quickly a bond develops between a child and parents, but especially between a mother and child. I laughed, thinking that this little girl probably doesn't even think about the fact that she looks quite different from her parents. Because I didn't at that age.

A million thoughts went through my mind, all of which made me realize how thankful I am for my mother and our relationship. I am so thankful and blessed to have two mothers - my birth mother and my mother.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers. You make the world a better place.