Spring is filled with egg hunts, Easter services, end of the year awards, and joy at every corner. The month of May arrives, and Mother’s Day is a time where many reflect on their own mothers, their children, and other women who have greatly influenced their lives.  My own mother has been an inspiration as she set the example of great strength, determination, and faith.

My own journey of motherhood looks different than most as my daughter was a gift through adoption. That gift is one that I never take for granted as someone chose me to be Grace’s mother. My sweet daughter was in the NICU for three months waiting on her forever family. When I received the call, I knew immediately she would be my little girl.
Grace radiates joy. She makes friends everywhere we go. When I adopted Grace, I knew she had hydrocephalus and a VP shunt. I did not know she would be a Cerebral Palsy warrior for a few more years. Hearing the words Cerebral Palsy was so difficult. Maybe you are hearing a diagnosis for the first time. Know that I understand that moment. It is hard. Really, there are no words to explain how one feels knowing the road ahead is uncertain. This I do know: Grace is a blessing beyond measure. I am a better person and a better minister because I have been chosen to walk this journey as Grace’s mom.
Grace is learning to play the guitar, and she sings with all her heart. She plays adapted sports, and on the playground at her co-op, she sits on a picnic blanket full of toys with children excited to play with her. She talks about going to camp all the time and loves to travel or just stroll around the mall. Being Grace’s mom is an adventure. We pray together, cry together, and laugh together. 
This Mother’s Day looks different for many. Some will spend the day without a mom or grandma for the first time. Some will still be longing to be a mom. Some will celebrate motherhood through adoption, and some may be long-time moms or first-time moms. Wherever you are this Mother’s Day, know that God is using every part of your story in a great way. You will minister to someone on a similar path or maybe a totally different path by sharing your story. My story is one that I prayed for, even though I really had no idea how amazing it would be, as God alone is writing this story through the eyes of my daughter, Grace.