Happy Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day, a day to show your appreciation and love to that special Mama in your life, today I want to show my appreciation to six Mamas.

1. My own Mum Helen, who has, together with my Father brought me up to be he person that I am today and for that I am thankful. I am thankful for the two months we recently got to spend together here in my home with my children, two months of joy and fun for us all.

March 1989 the day I was born

March 2012
I love you very much Mum, the children and I miss you xxx

2. My wonderful Nanny Irene, for being you, I love you and miss you more than you can imagine.Growing up you were like another Mother. I appreciate all that you have done for me and that you continue to do, the fact that you support me in my crazy life decisions and are always there for me.

December 1990

December 2009
I love you Nanny xxx

3. My Aunty Sally who was like another Mother also whilst I was growing up. I thank you for all your love and support during my life, I miss you and can not wait for you to come and see the life I have built here in Tanzania.

July 1990

May 2012
I love you Sally xxx

4. Alfie's Mama, I think about you often though I never saw your face, I have never even seen a photograph. Between us we share something very special, the love for an amazing little boy, a little boy who you brought into this world, who you loved in your womb for nine months and loved in life for another nine months, so cruelly you were robbed of the chance to watch him learn and grow into the handsome boy I love. Although my heart wishes that the circumstances were not as they are I am so thankful that this little boy has now become a part of my family and I hope you will be proud of how I am bringing him up, I will always remind him of the special Mother he had before me and how I know you loved him with all your heart. I hope you are resting peacefully knowing how loved your baby boy is and how I will always be there for him no matter what.

5. Layla's Mother, I have been privileged enough to meet you on several occasions and to get to know you some, you are a special Mama for doing what many could not, giving your baby something you know you can not. You gave up your baby in difficult circumstances and were unable to resume that care, I hope that you are proud of how your baby girl is growing into a big, beautiful, strong girl, I will forever be thankful that when you realised that you were unable to care for her you chose me to be her Mama. I will love and cherish this precious girl for all my days.

6. Isabella's Mother, I think about you often though I do not know your name, I have never seen your face. I will never know the circumstances that drove you to leave your baby girl, however, I am very sure that the decision was not an easy one and it is one that you are likely to never be able to forget, I am sure you think of your girl often but please be reassured that she can not be more loved. Although I wish circumstances were easier for you and you and your baby girl never had to part I am thankful that I am now able to raise this beautiful, funny, sweet girl. I hope that you are in a safe place and one day maybe you will have the courage to come forward so that myself and our sweet girl will be able to know you.

Finally I would like to say a big Happy Mother's Day to all my wonderful friends and family who are Mother's/ soon to be Mother's. I hope you are being spoilt rotten on your special day.

With Love always

Claire xxx