Mama,

I know we have never met, but not a day goes by that I do not think about you and I know you think about me, because it is impossible to forget someone you love. I know you love me because it has been 7,057 days since you gave me up for adoption and I have thought about you every day since. I guess what I am trying to say is thank you.

I know that can sound abnormal or insensitive, but I am thankful for your incredible sacrifice. I cannot comprehend the kind of love it takes to put your child in an orphanage and pray for a better life for them, because the struggles of life left you unable to care for them. It must have been extremely hard, being a 19 year old milkmaid carrying a baby. Yet, you endured the hardships for me.

You gave me life in many more ways than just in breath in my lungs. You gave me a chance to live fully. You gave me a chance to have dreams and chase them with reckless abandon. You gave me the knowledge of unconditional love through sacrifice. You gave me the chance to have a future and hope.

You gave my adoptive parents life. You gave them the chance to raise and love a child- to watch them grow up and live fearlessly. You gave my mom the joys of having a child, but through my growth in her heart rather than her body. You gave my siblings and I an unbreakable bond enhanced through adoption.

You gave my family a new identity and knowledge of the concept of “family”. You have showed my family and friends that family is not defined by “blood”, but by love. Family is so much more than simply people you are genetically related to; family is bound through “soul-love”, the kind of love which flows from the soul.

I want you to know, I am living my life and showing soul-love to everyone around me. I am not, and will not, waste your sacrifice or ever disregard your unconditional love. Thank you for being my mother and choosing to give me life. You have impacted not just me, but so many other people through your decision of adoption. I do not take that decision lightly. I hope to meet you, someday. Until then, I am with you in your heart. Can you feel my love?

Thank You,

Your Daughter