Happy Mother's Day to my 3 moms

13May12

Although I’m not particularly devout, I do appreciate the sense of meaning and purpose that some religious rites offer. Maybe that’s why I make a point of stepping into Notre Dame cathedral every time I’m in Paris, and lighting a candle or two.

Yesterday — my last day in Paris — I lit three candles: one for each of my moms.

It’s the only way I have of thanking my first two moms.

My first mom was the 36-year-old redhead who brought me into the world. I can’t imagine the strength it must have taken to give me up for adoption, but I’m deeply grateful for her decision. I wish there were a way to tell her what a rich, full, wonderful life she gave me through her loving, selfless act. I thought of my first mom with gratitude as I lit the first candle.

My second mom — “Mommy” — was Dorothy, my adoptive father’s first wife. She was as intelligent and intrepid as she was kind. She had a natural grace, I’m told, and she made friends wherever she went.

I have fleeting memories of her face and her voice. But my last memories of Dorothy are from Mexico, where she died of asthma when I was five.

I’ll never know exactly how Dorothy shaped me during those early years, but I do know that I felt loved. I thanked Dorothy for making my early years so happy as I lit the second candle.

One year after Dorothy’s death, my dad remarried. The wonderful woman I know as Mamá adopted me, and with her two daughters, we all joined to form a blended family.

I had a difficult time adjusting at first: I now had three sisters, instead of just one. But my new Mamá — Carolina — reached out to me gently and patiently. She sought to understand me. And over the years she showed me consistently that she loved me, in a thousand different ways.

So yesterday I honored mi querida Mamá with a third candle, and with my heartfelt gratitude and love.

I’ve been extremely fortunate to be loved by three strong, remarkable women. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for my life. And Happy Mother’s Day to my three moms.

Filed under: Friends and family, On this day in history   |  6 Comments
Tags: happy mothers day, honoring mom, mom, Mother's Day