Was I there at the moment of your birth, holding my breath as I waited to hear your first cry, or there to wipe your first tear, it saddens me greatly that the answer to all these questions is no?

Have you ever wondered how I really feel, can you imagine the grief I bear, fearful that I might lose you, now that your birth mother is here?

At last the time to know is here, because you are bravely preparing to cross the bridge of time, and face your maternal past?

Tucking your head into my breast, I run my fingers gently through your hair, and softly wipe the tears of doubt from your fearful eyes, for what may be the last time.

It was the unspoken burden I accepted in exchange for the gift of motherhood, that your unexpected arrival offered me

Something deep down inside my soul, glows brightly as my love for you radiates its parental pride

All too often I have wondered at my love for you, could it, or would it be any greater if you were my birth child? If this were possible I would truly have died from both its agony and ecstasy

My life's purpose has been to watch you grow from those first few faltering steps, until blossoming into the beautiful young woman you have become, and to be ready to catch you if ever you stumbled and fell during your journey along life's tricky path.

Only a mother of experience knows how to cradle a child safely in the shelter of her arms, or how to kiss away the pains from life's little bumps and bruises.

To see the impossible beauty in a scribbled picture, or to understand the meaning in those firsts muddled words, or the pleasure shared during the endless hours spent talking as only a mother and a daughter can

How foolish am I to be so worried, for it was you and I who shared the ups and downs of life, and those things which make a Mother into a Mum

Every moment that we have shared has helped mould you into the person you are today, confident and brave, making me proud to know you are my daughter

Run now my child, play in those maternal pastures, be brave, and remember with confidence whether happy or sad, that your mother waits patiently, filled with unconditional love for your safe return home