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Unexpected child becomes a Mother's Day blessing

My mother was not pleased when the doctor told her she was going to have another baby. She was at the point in her life where her two daughters were grown and ready to leave home, and her two sons were well into their teens. Another baby just wasn't in her plans.

I arrived on May 12, the day before Mother's Day. Everyone told Mom that I was her special Mother's Day present. I'm sure those words from well-meaning friends and family members weren't much of a consolation to her at the time, as she faced the task of caring for a new baby and altering her lifestyle to accommodate my schedule.

Mom accepted her situation, but she didn't have much time to spend with me while I was growing up. Times were hard, and money was scarce.

Dad was a farmer, and he spent most of his time raising chickens and growing a big garden. Selling fresh cream and eggs brought additional cash to the household when there were no crops to sell. The produce raised in the garden was picked and canned to sustain the family during the winter months. All of us were expected to pitch in and help.

Gradually, the older children left home, eager to begin life on their own. Mom began to spend more time with me. We grew close over the years - I became her shadow. She taught me to sew, embroider, quilt and bake.

Soon, I overheard her telling her friends that she didn't know what she would do without me. I felt like I could burst with happiness.

Even after I married and had a family of my own, I continued to visit Mom and Dad several times a week. By this time, they were elderly and needed help with some of the household chores.

I always set aside one day a week to clean their house and bake extra goodies for them. They always told me how much they appreciated what I did for them.

On one of my visits, when I was getting ready to leave, Mom hugged me tight and said, 'Even though I didn't think so at the time, you are the best Mother's Day present I've ever received. You have been such a blessing to me.'

Mom has been gone for several years now. I never celebrate my birthday or Mother's Day without thinking of her and the special bond we shared. It's taught me that sometimes what we see as a problem in life can become one of the greatest gifts we could have ever imagined.