What makes a mother?

As I'm talking to other grieving mothers, especially those mom's who only have angel babies, some have often asked: I carried a baby, I gave birth to a baby, but my baby is no longer here on Earth. Am I still a mother?

For a short time, I struggled with this question as well. But after thinking about it long and hard, I know I am still a mother. I still have a child, maybe Ana's not here, but she is still MINE. And that makes me a mother. I was sick every day with Ana. I was tired. I was bleeding. I felt her inside me and I gave birth to her. Nothing will ever take that away.

I found this poem which might help others like it has helped me. I know Ana is here with me.

What makes a Mother?

I thought of you and closed my eyes

And prayed to God today

I asked “What makes a Mother?”

And I know I heard Him say.

“A Mother has a baby”

This we know is true

“But God can you be a Mother,

When your baby’s not with you?”

“Yes, you can,” He replied

With confidence in His voice

“I give many women babies,

When they leave is not their choice.

Some I send for a lifetime,

And others for the day.

And some I send to feel your womb,

But there’s no need to stay.”

“I just don’t understand this God

I want my baby to be here.”

He took a deep breath and cleared His throat,

And then I saw the tear.

“I wish I could show you,

What your child is doing today.

If you could see your child’s smile,

With all the other children and say…

‘We go to Earth to learn our lessons,

Of love and life and fear.

My Mommy loved me oh so much,

I got to come straight here.

I feel so lucky to have a Mom,

Who had so much love for me.

I learned my lessons very quickly,

My Mommy set me free.

I miss my Mommy oh so much,

But I visit her every day.

When she goes to sleep,

On her pillow’s where I lay.

I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek,

And whisper in her ear.

Mommy don’t be sad today,

I’m your baby and I’m here.’

“So you see my dear sweet ones,

your children are okay.

Your babies are born here in My home,

And this is where they’ll stay.

They’ll wait for you with Me,

Until your lesson’s through.

And on the day that you come home

they’ll be at the gates for you.

So now you see what makes a Mother,

It’s the feeling in your heart

it’s the love you had so much of

Right from the very start

Though some on earth may not realize,

you are a Mother.

Until their time is done.

They’ll be up here with Me one day

and know that you are the best one!”

-Author Unknown.