That first Mother’s Day after I placed my daughter for adoption was the hardest for me. I remember going to church and dreading the moment the pastor would ask all the mothers to stand and be acknowledged for Mother’s Day. I struggled with the decision to stand or remain seated. My arms held no baby, she was in another mother’s arms. Then I imagined how happy and grateful the adoptive mom must be feeling, and how proud she would be to finally have her turn to stand up on this day. That thought made me smile. When the time came, I chose to remain seated in honor of the adoptive mother.

The following poem was inspired by that first Mother’s Day.

-Cindyclough

About the Author: Cindy Clough Schramm is a birthmother who placed her daughter through New Life Adoptions in 1990 and was joyously reunited with her in 2011. She is a poet, writer and avid reader. She has overcome many trials in her life with her faith, and she hopes to inspire, encourage, and give hope to others through her writing. She enjoys flavored lattes, anything chocolate, good books, flower gardening, nature walks, and lazy days at the lake. You can find her writing on Facebook and Instagram.