mommy's smile

The other day an elderly customer asked me, "Where did you get such a lovely smile?" Of course, I went all blushy and shy and managed to say something like, "Uhhh...thanks! ...I was born with it, I guess?" But of course the simple compliment resulted in an interesting realization: my smile is from my birthmother. Last year I wrote a Mother's Day post to the three women who have each been a mother to me. Though each have earned their title for different reasons, I thought I'd use this opportunity to give a shoutout to my birthmom... ... for my smile. ... for my brown eyes. ... for my laugh. ... for my size 7.5 feet. ... for my perpetually "tan" skin (especially awesome in the winter) ... for my naturally straight teeth. ... for giving me a chance. ... for looking out for me. ... for loving me. ... for saving me. ... for risking her safety to give me this and more ... for giving me up ... for giving me life. Maybe I was an unplanned surprise. Or maybe you had to give me up, because you were waiting for a son who would be able to take care of you when you grew older. I don't know why, but I don't need to. It doesn't matter to me, because I already know everything I need to know: that you are an incredibly brave and strong woman who valued life enough to let me have the best chance. Abortion would've been easy, but you didn't choose the easy road. Instead of ending my life in its first few months, you chose life. Because of you I was able to learn how to speak, walk, read, and write. I was able to make a childless couple a family. I have been able to learn about God and His love and decide to live for Him. I've survived cancer, published a book, graduated high school, gotten a job, and fallen in love. All of this and more because you chose to give me your smile. So thank you, birthmommy. So many little boys and girls don't get that chance.