A Tale of a Mother's Love
It is customary that the children adopted from the orphanages in Ethiopia are given a good-bye coffee ceremony. At this ceremony we had the honor and privilege of meeting Samuel and Benjamin's mother.
Her heart humbled me. Her love amazed me. Her strength astounded me.
This sweet woman chose to come to her boys' good-bye ceremony, knowing she would likely never see them again.
I know I don't have that strength in me. I know I don't.
The orphanage is a far stretch from a place for children to thrive but she knew it was still much more than she could offer. She unselfishly surrendered her sweet boys after the death of her husband and the boys' father so that they would remain safe behind the orphanage walls. Although the food and shelter of the orphanage leave much to be desired she knew it was much better than she could do. In her own words she stated that at least by placing her boys in the orphanage they had hope...hope that they'd have a better life than she could ever dream of giving them.
When we arrived she greeted us like she knew us forever. She hugged me and kissed me. She held me tightly. She continued to thank us for choosing her sons. She told us it was an honor for her to meet us.
I know I couldn't say that to a woman who was taking my sweet babies half way around the world. I am not that unselfish. I am not that strong.
She told her boys how much she loved them but in the same breath told them that I am their mother. I deserve their respect and obedience.
There's no way I could do that and still stand on my own to feet. She's a pillar of strength.
I did my absolute best to assure her that she will always be their mother. She will always be a part of them. I assured her they can love us both. They can call us both mother. She hugged me, kissed me, and then dismissed my comment.
I'm only keeping it together for the sake of my children and all those others watching me.
Ever since we were referred to our sweet boys God has put many people in our path who knew them and know them...people who continually spoke of their good hearts and kind nature.
Now I know where they get it.
This destitute woman from a third-world country who couldn't speak my language spoke to me in more ways than she'll ever know. She truly has nothing but love in her heart for her boys. She could see well beyond her own selfish desires of wanting to be with her children and she put their needs above hers. She inspires me to love bigger and love better. I'm not sure I'll ever get over those moments with her. I know I'll never forget her.
