Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
Happy Mother’s Day
Today, I want to salute all of my sister moms who didn’t throw in the towel when they realized that motherhood wasn’t exactly what they thought and stayed. You see, I left. I could easily make all kinds of excuses for having left. I was young and stupid. I was unequipped for the task of raising three kids having been raised an only child. I let pride get in the way of forgiveness and restoration.
But the main reason I walked out on my kids in August of 1992 was that I was so very, very selfish. As a consequence of my own actions, I had very limited access to my kids for about 15 years and, in a lot of ways, it was a good thing. As much as I hate to admit how bad of an influence I would have been in their lives, I still hate just how very much I missed. There were recitals, proms, school plays and musicals, fundraisers, sporting events, and holidays that I missed and have absolutely no hope of getting the chance to go back and have those memories that I missed out of my own selfishness.
And my children would have every right, and I would completely understand it if they chose to turn me away as that woman they once knew but no more. But instead, they invite me just so lovingly into their lives and I can only thank God for this immeasurable gift of a second chance to become what I could have been all along … Mom. And now, every time my kids call, each time they send me a card extending love and wishes, each time they think of me and smile … I know with all of my heart that I am witnessing yet another miracle that I do not deserve.
Everyone, have an amazing Mother’s Day.
Published in General
They’ve decided you do deserve it, so good for you! Happy Mother’s Day!
I’m sure this was very hard for you to write-we can’t take back what was done. All we can do is own it and try to make amends. Looks like whoever raised them did a great job. Happy Mother’s Day.
Someone special raised them.And that person raised some special children. Family is wonderful.
What a beautiful testimony. May God bless you.
I know a girl who didn’t have kids. She spent her childbearing years taking care of her ailing Mom.
She married late in life, and inherited two boys. She was an ever-loyal Mom to them. She was the Mom they didn’t quite have in their natural Mom, who got caught up in things of this world.
To this day this beautiful woman doesn’t see herself as a proper Honoree of this special day. But the Brown-Eyed-Beauty and I sure do!
So glad for you that they chose to Love.
God bless you !
Second time today I’ve cried while reading a post. Must be a lot of
dustpollen inside my house today.Welcome to Ricochet, Natalie. You’re among friends. And I am so very, very glad to read about how your life has turned out.
Thank you. I am unbelievably blessed beyond measure.
I worked with a lady just like that. Her husband had two boys from a previous marriage, and I knew her for years before I found out they weren’t hers.
I take it back. They were hers, they just didn’t have her DNA – but they did have her upbringing, which IMHO was a helluva lot better . . .
Now those are some gorgeous kids. Wow. Congratulations and good for you. I’m glad you all were able to set things right.
Wow. Just. Wow.
“I can only thank God for this immeasurable gift of a second chance to become what I could have been all along”
Yep.
A beautiful ending to what is a too-common sad story. You have experienced a heaping helping of grace, which is so rare this side of heaven. Thanks be to God.
This stopped me in my tracks. Natalie, the first step is to acknowledge one’s sins, the second to ask for forgiveness, and the third to attempt to make retribution. It seems like you’ve done all three. Now it’s time to look forward, move on from the past, and live in the best way possible. Then you will deserve those moments of their love. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you and God bless you!