Need Some Mother’s Day Inspiration? #PutYourHeartToPaper #sponsored

Disclosure: I have been compensated by Hallmark in exchange for writing this post, but the content and opinions are my own.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, this Sunday May 10th!  It’s a very emotional day for me as I’m sure it is for many others.  It brings up feelings about who we are, where we came from, and what legacy we will leave.  While I’m happy to have a day to celebrate mothers, I’m also glad to see the holiday become broader in it’s definition and hope one day, it will be a day to celebrate all who have loved, nurtured, and taught us about life.

My Mom has taught me so very, very much.  By the way she lived her life, she has shown me the joy to find in being open to new things, lifelong learning, and the fun of adventure.  I’ve never seen or heard her be bored.  She can find something to learn, enjoy, and appreciate in anything and everything.  My Mom has always let me know, in everything she does and says, that she loves me.  I know that I can always, always count on her.  Whether I agree or disagree with her; whether I’ve done the most amazing, wonderful thing or something horrid; whether I’m sharing joy or sorrow – my Mom is always there with comfort, a giving spirit and most of all, love.  Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

My friend, JW, has shown me the importance of faith and that I am God’s child as much as I am my parent’s child.  JW has taught me to trust in my Father’s love to see me through the challenges of life.  Her attitude of “Let go, let God” has helped me to find a calmness and peace.  I’ve watched her deal with difficult people, difficult circumstances, and difficult times with patience and grace.  Because of her faith, she knows that through everything, God is a constant refuge.  While I will never have her degree of patience or giving spirit, she inspires me.  Happy Mother’s Day, JW!

I also wish a Happy Mother’s Day to my friend, JM.  JM has taught me to find humor in every situation.  JM and I went through the adoption process together.  It’s a rough road with many mountains and valleys.  Your heart is filled with enormous joy one day, only to be crushed the next.  Through it all, JM found a reason to laugh and a reason to never give up.  Now we have both had our daughter’s home with us for over eight years and she continues to find humor in everyday life and it’s challenges.

A woman I don’t even know, AB, who has given me the greatest gift of all, my beautiful daughter, Happy Mother’s Day.  “Todo cambia… menos el amor de una madre.”  Everything changes, but not a mother’s love.  It’s difficult to even put into words the gratitude I have, to be able to mother such an amazing child.  And it is all because of the brave choice that her birthmother made to give her daughter a chance at life.  Everything changes, but not our love for our child.  I hope she knows in her heart that her daughter is happy and loved as much as possible today and every day.

Who do you think of when Mother’s Day rolls around?  Make this the year to tell them.  Don’t let another Mother’s Day go by, without telling the people who have made a difference in your life that you care.  Tell them what they have taught you and why you are grateful to have known them.  If you need help finding the words, check a Hallmark store.  All the cards shown above are from Hallmark and inspired me.

This Mother’s Day, Hallmark is challenging fans to “put your heart to paper” when it comes to people in our lives we hold nearest and dearest.  Find out about the #PutYourHeartToPaper campaign at the Put Your Heart To Paper Microsite here.  Watch the #PutYourHeartToPaper video series on Hallmark’s YouTube channel and connect to Hallmark on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest  and Twitter.