What's Your Mothers Day Story

by Laura Thompson

Being a mother is a privilege that many women share around the world.  But motherhood comes with a huge responsibility.  From the beginning of our lives...in most cases...a mother's love has been the driving force behind the nurturing and care of our children.

I can remember the birth of my one and only child.   On April 15, 1988, he was born...he was premature and only weighed 3 lbs. 14 oz. at birth...by the time he left the hospital...he was only 3 lbs. 8 oz.  With no earthly idea of how to raise a child; a single parent; and not having a really good job; I took the plunge into motherhood.  He had to stay in the hospital for two weeks and was supposed to weigh a minimum of 5 lbs before they would release him, but because there was a contagious virus in the hospital, he was released a 1 lb 2 oz under weight.

I had to go to the hospital three times a day to feed him.  He had a hard time nippling and was in an oxygen tank with wires everywhere.  I was so fearful and you can imagine, how I must have felt about taking him home.  I was terrified.  His first picture was in a dolls baby bed...he was so tiny.

I can remember bathing him; changing his diapers; feeding him; loving him so much and I watched him grow from a little tiny baby with no eyelashes; no finger nails; one ear fully developed and one half way developed; no toe nails...he was just not well done when he was born.

Everyday, he had to receive special attention and care because of his birth size...he had to be monitored and doctors visits seemed to be never ending.  He was developmentally delayed because of his premature birth...he was always loving and kind and had a great spirit right from the beginning.

We made it through a lot of interesting times.  I am so thankful for the world dedicating a day especially for mother's...a day of acknowledgement is great...a day of hopefully a little less responsibility than the other 364 days of a mother's responsibilities...I salute mothers everywhere...I only had one to care for...some have many more...a lot have help, but some single parents really have a rough time.

Keep loving your children and stay on your daily grind to make sure that your children are fed; loved; have shelter and give them the gift of providing them with a good education!  Happy Mothers Day to all the moms around the world...today and everyday.

What is your mothers day story...