I always knew growing up that I was adopted, but I didn’t understand what it really meant until I was in 7th grade when my mom and I would sit on the couch into the late hours of the night and I would ask her question after question. My mom was limited on what she knew, but the one thing she always circled back to was reminding me that my birth mom did what she did because she loved me and wanted the best life possible for me. Through these conversations, Mom supported me to one day meet my birth mom, because she knew it would put so many pieces together for me. It became a dream of mine to do this when I was ready as an adult. Fast forward 20 years… 

On December 16, 2015, my dream came true and I met my birth mom, Kathy, and brother, Evan, for the very first time, all in the Lord’s timing. This was after a long, five-year process of steps required to be taken through Gladney Adoption Center, lots of prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit, many conversations with my mom and other mentors, text messaging into the wee hours of the night with Kathy and Evan, and mixed feelings and emotions all over the spectrum. They came to Houston, experienced my world here, and met all of those in my life that have walked through life with me and this journey.

It still all seems a little surreal even as I write, but the most beautiful miracle in all of this is represented in this photo here; the love that my birth mom and Mom have for each other and for me. I had to fight back the tears as I watched my mom share stories while they looked through the many childhood pictures she had collected for Kathy to keep, and later as I watched Mom give her my favorite cross necklace charm that I wore growing up. I listened to my mom tell Kathy, “Thank you for doing the hard thing,” and Kathy tell my mom, “Thank you for giving her such a beautiful life. This is what God wanted,” tears flowing down as this experience had finally brought peace and healing to her life. However, the most moving words I heard them say that meant the world to me were, “I love you,” when they said their goodbyes to each other. They have continued to keep in touch, sending each other cards in the mail and messages through me. 

This picture is worth more than a thousand words to me because they are both my heroes. On my right is my wonderful birth mom, who made the most selfless decision so that I could have the best life imaginable. She is my example of doing the hard thing even when it requires sacrifice or seems impossible. On my left is my amazing Mom and best friend, who (with my dad alongside her) gave me that best life my birth mom hoped I would have. She is my rock, never gives up on me, is always there for me, and is my example of hope and endurance during suffering at its worst.

So, on this day in particular, Kathy and Mom, I want to say thank you. Thank you, Kathy, for your relentless patience and faith that this day would come soon in His timing. Thank you, Mom, for walking this journey with me every step of the way even when you had mixed feelings and emotions yourself. I would not have wanted to walk this journey without you. Most of all, thank you Jesus for being the Ordainer and Sustainer through this all; to You be all the Glory. Mom and Kathy, I hope you both know I am forever changed because of your love for me. Happy Mother’s Day.