Motherhood... The Beginning
autobiographical essay29 total reviews
Comment from Lovinia
Hi Adonna
I can see why this one came up a winner! Nicely penned, you kept flow and interest in an entertaining and emotionally exciting story. Even better it is true.
How lovely. I am charmed by reading your feelings and emotions and your attitude (and hubby's) to adopting children. I too believe like your mum, "that giving birth does not make someone a mother. It is giving of yourself... your love and time and care. That's what makes you a mother." To me this is exactly how it should be.
We had a couple of adoptees (cousins) in the family ... they were set apart and not 'quite' our own. We were informed in whispers that they were adopted when in our mid-teens. I always thought how horrible that attitude was. I even remember it said often that all they should expect is a home until they were eighteen and how grateful they should be. That was on both sides of my parent's families and from completely different backgrounds. One grandma went even further telling everyone that adopted ones were the best ... to put my brother and sister down to insult my mother.
How lucky you had a loving mother who knew true love and explained that to you. A credit to your husband also. I hate the attitude of my very strict and Victorian families ... though they also thought children should be seen and not heard and obey without question and have no thoughts of their own contradicting the family edict.
Your children are very lucky and you sound like a truly wonderful mum (and dad). I love the wholesome image you selected. So wonderful of you to share these special moments of your life. I wish only the best for your family. Well done. Hugs - Lovi xoxo
reply by the author on 24-Nov-2014
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Hi Adonna
I can see why this one came up a winner! Nicely penned, you kept flow and interest in an entertaining and emotionally exciting story. Even better it is true.
How lovely. I am charmed by reading your feelings and emotions and your attitude (and hubby's) to adopting children. I too believe like your mum, "that giving birth does not make someone a mother. It is giving of yourself... your love and time and care. That's what makes you a mother." To me this is exactly how it should be.
We had a couple of adoptees (cousins) in the family ... they were set apart and not 'quite' our own. We were informed in whispers that they were adopted when in our mid-teens. I always thought how horrible that attitude was. I even remember it said often that all they should expect is a home until they were eighteen and how grateful they should be. That was on both sides of my parent's families and from completely different backgrounds. One grandma went even further telling everyone that adopted ones were the best ... to put my brother and sister down to insult my mother.
How lucky you had a loving mother who knew true love and explained that to you. A credit to your husband also. I hate the attitude of my very strict and Victorian families ... though they also thought children should be seen and not heard and obey without question and have no thoughts of their own contradicting the family edict.
Your children are very lucky and you sound like a truly wonderful mum (and dad). I love the wholesome image you selected. So wonderful of you to share these special moments of your life. I wish only the best for your family. Well done. Hugs - Lovi xoxo
Comment Written 07-Nov-2014
reply by the author on 24-Nov-2014
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Thank you for this truly wonderful review Lovi. I apologize for being so behind in responding but have vowed to catch up as best I can while not currently posting. I see adoption as a two-way street, a blessing for the givers and for the receivers both. I am so grateful for my children and my pride in them is different perhaps, from that of a parent who "gave" the child her genes and can take personally the child's accomplishments, but it is genuine pride mingled with gratitude. I recognize I have only God to praise for whatever gifts they have, but they all have gifts and I am so proud of each child. I feel sorry for families who look on adoptees as if they are somehow different. They are children in need of and deserving of love and care and acceptance... as are ALL children born into the world. If I can fill that need for them, I am also satisfying at the same time my own inbred need to mother. I feel I receive so much... and the giving part is easy. Okay, you didn't ask for a twelve-page discourse, did you? If you're still with me, please PM me your address again. I lost it somehow. Thanks
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
I enjoyed your upbeat story of love and faith in God. I would not change anything. The story had great flow. I felt as if you were telling the story aloud to me which is a good thing. I could feel the emotion, concern, and love in the words. Good job and thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 30-Oct-2014
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I enjoyed your upbeat story of love and faith in God. I would not change anything. The story had great flow. I felt as if you were telling the story aloud to me which is a good thing. I could feel the emotion, concern, and love in the words. Good job and thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 30-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 30-Oct-2014
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Thank you so much for your kind review and all the understanding comments. I sincerely appreciate this. MM
Comment from Tatarka2
This was a well-told, very personal story about your journey to parenthood through adoption. Thank you so much for sharing your story in this way. I know many people will read it and be able to relate to your experiences and feelings, and I think that is so important. Congratulations on placing in the contest!
reply by the author on 30-Oct-2014
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This was a well-told, very personal story about your journey to parenthood through adoption. Thank you so much for sharing your story in this way. I know many people will read it and be able to relate to your experiences and feelings, and I think that is so important. Congratulations on placing in the contest!
Comment Written 29-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 30-Oct-2014
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Thank you for writing such a kind review. I appreciate this very much.
Comment from Gladness
This is very well written and thought out. The story was captivating from the start. I loved the whole thing, the stories from your chldhood right through the adoptions. Your answer of "These are our children" is perfect.
Thanks for sharing,
Anita
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2014
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This is very well written and thought out. The story was captivating from the start. I loved the whole thing, the stories from your chldhood right through the adoptions. Your answer of "These are our children" is perfect.
Thanks for sharing,
Anita
Comment Written 26-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2014
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I'm so glad to know this was not as boring as I'd feared it might be. Thank you for reading it, and for giving me your thoughts. MM
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Boring? Not at all. I can hardly believe you could think that, except I worry the same thing about my writing.
Comment from Just2Write
A beautiful story, Adonna. It is wonderful that you and your husband were blessed with four children - wonderful for you and wonderful for them. So many children end up staying in foster care until they 'age out' Many of those do not get to go to college, in fact, many don't get to finish high-school and end up in dead-end jobs. Adoption is a perfect solution for so many people.
I like how you took us from your early years as a mother-in-training to the time that you married and started a family of your own. I hope that many young women out there learn of your story, and have the courage to carry through with an unplanned pregnancy and consider letting someone who desperately wants a child to adopt theirs.
Rose.
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2014
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A beautiful story, Adonna. It is wonderful that you and your husband were blessed with four children - wonderful for you and wonderful for them. So many children end up staying in foster care until they 'age out' Many of those do not get to go to college, in fact, many don't get to finish high-school and end up in dead-end jobs. Adoption is a perfect solution for so many people.
I like how you took us from your early years as a mother-in-training to the time that you married and started a family of your own. I hope that many young women out there learn of your story, and have the courage to carry through with an unplanned pregnancy and consider letting someone who desperately wants a child to adopt theirs.
Rose.
Comment Written 26-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2014
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I do thank you so much for this in-depth review of my story. I'm glad it held your interest. I am very grateful to the three birth-mothers who willingly gave their children up. One was a thirteen year-old eighth grader! I think she did the right thing. I can't even imagine my life without my four children! No to mention the grandchildren they have given me. What blessings they are!
Comment from Bina1
What a nice story, you gave a nice background and good conversations. Very well done, thank you for sharing. Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2014
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What a nice story, you gave a nice background and good conversations. Very well done, thank you for sharing. Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 26-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2014
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Thank you Bina. I'm glad you liked the story.
Comment from irishauthorme
Good description of you as a child with yearnings, and precocious, too! I am sure you and Shirley had a good laugh about your "trips" together in later years.
your brave decision to adopt children has brought you tears of joy, and as always, there are moments of sadness, and trials to confront and overcome.
You are blessed to have been able to raise four children, and they are, indeed, your own.
irish
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2014
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Good description of you as a child with yearnings, and precocious, too! I am sure you and Shirley had a good laugh about your "trips" together in later years.
your brave decision to adopt children has brought you tears of joy, and as always, there are moments of sadness, and trials to confront and overcome.
You are blessed to have been able to raise four children, and they are, indeed, your own.
irish
Comment Written 25-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 27-Oct-2014
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Thank you for your sensitive and understanding review, Irish. I enjoyed reading these kind comments and your thoughts, which are a reflection of your tender heart. I'm glad you read this.
Comment from N.K. Wagner
You're right about parenthood, MissMerri. Once they're home, they're yours - regardless of how they got there. Congratulations on being wise enough not to be deterred by the "biological" foolishness. Babies are babies.
Well written. A great memory. :) Nancy
reply by the author on 28-Oct-2014
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You're right about parenthood, MissMerri. Once they're home, they're yours - regardless of how they got there. Congratulations on being wise enough not to be deterred by the "biological" foolishness. Babies are babies.
Well written. A great memory. :) Nancy
Comment Written 25-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 28-Oct-2014
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Thanks so much Nancy, for your understanding words and this lovely review. MM
Comment from Ronni
Quite a fascinating motherhood story Merri, and so
absorbingly and intriguingly written! Lots of love
and family love shared, the kind not often conveyed
with such heart and soul of motherhood entwined from
beginning to end! And especially endearing, the
attitude and automatic acceptance and inclusion of
adopted children being as ones own!
Glad you had such a loving and memorable experience
with your immediate family, and shared it so inspiringly
here. Love, Ronni
reply by the author on 28-Oct-2014
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Quite a fascinating motherhood story Merri, and so
absorbingly and intriguingly written! Lots of love
and family love shared, the kind not often conveyed
with such heart and soul of motherhood entwined from
beginning to end! And especially endearing, the
attitude and automatic acceptance and inclusion of
adopted children being as ones own!
Glad you had such a loving and memorable experience
with your immediate family, and shared it so inspiringly
here. Love, Ronni
Comment Written 25-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 28-Oct-2014
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Ronni, I'm so appreciative of this encouraging review. It means so much to hear that my story is understood and enjoyed. Thank you for your kind words. MM
Comment from Trybuck
One set of twin boys
To start the process
of parenting bliss
A baby girl was next
Making a total of three
But wait, there's more
A tiny bundle of Joy
Named Joni, graced our home
Bringing our total to four
Sounds like you had quite a few adventures growing up. It's a miracle your baby sister survived but babies are tougher than they look...
Well done with your entry, Buck
reply by the author on 28-Oct-2014
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One set of twin boys
To start the process
of parenting bliss
A baby girl was next
Making a total of three
But wait, there's more
A tiny bundle of Joy
Named Joni, graced our home
Bringing our total to four
Sounds like you had quite a few adventures growing up. It's a miracle your baby sister survived but babies are tougher than they look...
Well done with your entry, Buck
Comment Written 24-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 28-Oct-2014
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Yes Buck... You are so right. It is truly a miracle that tiny baby survived my attempts to "mother her to death." I'm so glad she survived. God must have been watching over her. Thank you for your clever poetic review. I always enjoy these.
