Donovan and Noemi surprised me with this photo today, enlarged and framed, for a wall in our home. Geesh, I really adore my talented and thoughtful husband. And geesh, do I adore my cheery girl. Today is my first Mother’s Day. I had a nice day with my dear Noemi, even though we ended up skipping church because she is a must-be-getting-sick mess today. I stopped counting the meltdowns after 20. Honestly, I was happily content to have her wiped-out-self sleep on my chest (something she only does when she is sick--it’s a sure tell sign). That was a beautiful gift, aside from her not feeling well (poor baby). It gave me time to focus and pray for her, and be cognizant of the blessings of being her mother.
Because she was such a bear, she ended up going to bed before Donovan and me were able to light a candle in honor of her first mother. This will become a Mother’s Day tradition for us--lighting a candle for Noemi’s first mother and singing a hymn that we chose for this occasion each year, Go, My Children. It is a hymn I have sung to Noemi many times, always thinking of her birth mother when I sing it. It chokes me up every time. I picture Jesus singing it to Noemi. I picture Jesus singing it to Noemi’s birth mother. I picture Noemi’s birth mother lovingly singing it to her beloved baby girl before saying goodbye.
Go, My children, with My blessing, Never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you; You are My own.
In My love's baptismal river I have made you Mine forever.
Go, My children, with My blessing, You are My own.
Go, My children, fed and nourished, Closer to Me;
Grow in love and love by serving, Joyful and free.
Here My Spirit's power filled you; Here His tender comfort stilled you.
Go, My children, fed and nourished, Joyful and free.
I the Lord will bless and keep you And give you peace;
I the Lord will smile upon you And give you peace;
I the Lord will be your Father, Savior, Comforter, and Brother.
Go, My Children; I will keep you And give you peace.
-lyrics by Jaroslav Vajda, written as a Benediction.
Enat is Amharic for mother, and it is what we have decided that we will refer to her birth mother as so that Noemi has a name for her. I am her mommy; but Enat is her birth mother. I believe it is important for her to have a name so that she lives on. I have everyday to celebrate the wonder of being Noemi’s mother, but today we will pause to meagerly attempt to honor her birth mother and the sacrifices she made.
