Was it the act of giving birth that made you a mother? Did you lose that label when you relinquished your child? If people were measured by their deeds, on the one hand, I had a woman who had chosen to give me up; on the other, I had a woman who'd sat up with me at night when I was sick as a child, who'd cried with me over boyfriends, who'd clapped fiercely at my law school graduation. Which acts made you more of a mother?Both, I realized. Being a parent wasn't just about bearing a child. It was about bearing witness to its life.
The quote explores the complex nature of motherhood, questioning whether it is defined solely by giving birth or if it encompasses a broader spectrum of experiences and emotional connections. The narrator reflects on contrasting maternal figures in her life: one who gave her up and another who has been a constant source of support through significant moments. This raises the question of what truly constitutes a mother—biological ties or active participation in a child's life.
Ultimately, the realization is that both women embody different aspects of motherhood. The act of parenting involves more than just biological connections; it includes being present, supportive, and engaged in the child's journey. This reflection emphasizes that motherhood is a multifaceted experience that goes beyond traditional definitions and recognizes the emotional bonds formed through shared experiences.
