because of her...

I've had Mother's Day on my mind quite a bit lately.  Moms, mothers, nurturers, birth mothers, grandmothers, friends, etc., so many wonderful women that have been placed in my life and have made my life more beautiful because of their influence.  I truly believe all people are placed in our lives for certain reasons, never by accident...makes me look at myself and those around me quite differently.

Words never seem to adequately express the love I have for my own sweet mother.  She is an angel...my best everything.  I have such love and respect for her.  My heart just always seems close to overflowing with tenderness towards her and the amazing gift she is to me and to others.

And, then there's my little one...the little angel brought to us through the miracle of adoption.  Because of her, I am a mother.  Because of her birth mother, I get to experience loving another in such a way that I am forever grateful and forever changed...to experience emotions and feelings that I never knew existed, the depth and expanse of these emotions are bigger than my heart can hold at times...truly the greatest gift I could ever be granted.  And to be loved in return by my little blue-eyed beauty, is like unwrapping a present over and over again.  I truly know that I have loved this little girl and her birth mother from the beginning of time, and will love them throughout eternity.  What an amazing sacrifice this sweet woman has brought into my life...doing something for me, that I could not do for myself.

And, I'm learning to accept the fact that in this life, I may just be a mother once, to one special, wondrous little girl.  I would never trade my experience of becoming her mother through adoption for anything....not being able to give birth myself, not anything.  She is mine, ours, and was meant to be from the beginning.  I am coming to understand that I will have more waiting for me in the life after this.  Maybe little, mischievous boys with eyes that twinkle like their daddy's, and smiles that melt my heart, just as his does.  That my arms empty now, will not be empty later.  The ache that never goes away will someday be healed, and that all will be made right.  My heart reaches out to any of you who also find yourselves experiencing infertility in this life.  Words cannot express my love and compassion for you.  I understand. I am sorry you have to hurt, I am sorry we have to hurt.  I understand the walls you build around yourself, because I too have built them.  I know what it means to protect your heart from hurt, senseless comments from others, feelings of guilt and inadequacy, just feeling different and therefore feeling as if I don't fit in.  It all hurts, so we do what we have to to guard our heart, to protect the wound from opening. 

(source)  I love this quote...perfect for how I feel about my little one.

So, with mothers in mind, and the meaning behind that wonderful word, I've been creating a few things to share as Mother's Day approaches.  Both were created using Teresa Collins products, the first using the Save the Date collection and my Sizzix Heart Bag die.  I thought it made such a sweet little wall hanging or even a perfect spot to tuck a lovely, small gift inside to share.  

My card uses the Teresa Collins Daily Stories collection and these colors are some of my favorites to create with.  Anything aqua, pink, and cream...and throw in a little gold, and I'm a happy girl.   I used the Sizzix Camellia die for my flower and used different patterns, colors, even a bit of trim to create some lovely layers.

You have to take a peek at the two new collections from Teresa Collins...I am in awe of the beautiful things this woman creates!  There's the Something Wonderful collection and Urban Market.  Gorgeous!

Before I go I wanted to share with you this book that I recently treated myself to, called The Art of Motherhood.  It's filled with the sweetest stories and beautiful artwork...warms my heart.

My heart is with you sweet sisters throughout the world.  You are loved no matter your circumstances.  The quote above is from one of my most favorite LDS General Conference talks, given by Boyd K. Packer.  When you feel as if you spirit needs to lifted, and truth spoken to your heart and mind, please read or watch THIS.

 

 (from the36thavenue.com)

Melis

Comments

[Tracy Evans]

Gorgeous box and coordinated card, stunning designs and wonderful attention to detail. Beautiful. Tracy x

[Ivana Camdzic]

Melissa, this is such a beautiful and touching post. I sit here, with tears in my eyes...Inspired, uplifted, and hopeful, that all the beautiful women who read this post fell some comfort from your words of hope, encouragement and your beautiful outlook on life's challenges and blessings. Opening your heart and sharing your story is so incredibly brave, and I hope you know how may hearts will feel a little lighter after reading your beautiful words. I sincerely hope that you will one day again be a mummy to another sweet little bundle of joy, and that the little family you have now is forever showered with blessings of love and joy. xoxo p.s. Beautiful, beautiful creations as always :)

[Stella]

There is so much I want to say but I don't know how to write it. I've cried over this post. Impressed by your story XXX

[Sue in Grapevine]

Lovely! Your gratitude in both directions is touching.
My children were easy to come by & I think, because of this, I did not appreciate them enough when they were little.
Continue to enjoy your girlie -- each stage has so much fun!

[Patty O'Malley]

Your post brought tears to my eyes as you wrote things I connect to completely. Our son is a young man now and I've treasured each and every moment with him. Cannot imagine a life without him. We are blessed with the special people who've entered our lives. I love the sentiments you've shared as well as your beautiful creations. Thank you, Melis.

[Cynde]

Melis your art and your words always touch my heart! Thank you for sharing your self with us and giving encouragement to all of us. I love that about you!!

[Ros Crawford]

Oh my goodness you know how to make a girl cry ... Beautiful post ... words I echo ...
Beautiful creations as always ...

[Becky Green]

What a lovely tribute to motherhood Melissa! Absolutely Beautiful! :) it warms my heart to listen to someone who treasures being a mother! In our world today, sometimes it is hard to find mother's that feel this way about their those they gave birth to! You always bless those who come here with wonderful, uplifting words! THANK YOU! ;)AND as always, such WONDERFUL Creations! :) BLESSINGS!!! :)

[Angelina]

My dear Melis, mother's day posts are among my favorites in your blog, so touching, so inspiring, so uplifting, you are so brave woman! And my admiration for you grows!
Thanks for share with us such inspiration! I am crying, i am here whenever you need!! Hugs from Mexico!! Happy mother's day in advance!!

[Alison Behan]

You are always so eloquent. When I read your posts about Sierra I always think that you should write children's books. I think you would be fantastic at them. I don't have any words of wisdom or of magic. I know you have heartache, I know you hurt. So I am sending you the biggest hug, Hun from across the many, many miles.

[Gina Eggebrecht]

I always love your Mother's Day posts - because I understand. My story is not quite the same as yours, but I understand. Beautiful words, Melis!

[maria]

A wonderful post filled with lots of love for your mother and of being a mother! I, too, have dealt with infertility. I understand many of your feelings. We have an adopted son. He is 26 years old now. We love him dearly. Why it is our cross to bear is a very good question. All I know is that we have one wonderful blessing with our son. And, of course, the other gifts and talents that God has given us. I do know that through my journey I have helped and inspired others. Maybe that is God's plan. You are truly an inspiration. You speak from your heart and soul with truth and sensitivity. Anyone and everyone can learn from your words. I thank you for your amazing eloquence! Take care and God Bless!

[Nettie]

Your words brought me to tears... Such a beautiful post!