My mother was pregnant.

But not with me.

I’m her only child.

Sometimes I wonder why as a single woman she could want to raise someone else’s child.

Then I quickly think of something else because I know how my life could have been.

The thought scares me.

Every year even before Thanksgiving, I’m thankful.

Thankful I’m her child.

And I am reminded when I receive pitches stating November is National Adoption Month that someone else instead of my birth parents was able to give me a better life.

Reminded I’m lucky.

Maybe one day I’ll follow in her footsteps and take care of a child who needs a better life.

For right now, I’m happy my children get to call her Nana.

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My mother taught me to walk proud and tall ‘as if the world was mine’. – Sophia Loren