When Mom was 18, she gave birth to my identical twin brother and I. At the time, she was extremely poor and had basically no support. After she refused the money for an abortion, the “man” who got Mom pregnant and his family ignored her.
Knowing she would have a difficult time caring for us and hoping we would have more opportunities than she had been given, Mom gave us up for adoption. Shortly after the papers were signed, a kind nurse allowed Mom to hold us. With tears streaming down her face, Mom held us and said, “Don’t hate me.”
My brother and I left Oregon with our adoptive mother on July 15th.
At the age of 26, I began searching for Mom. I wanted to meet my mother. I wanted to see where I came from and what my biological family was like.
After a search that took more than two years, I spoke with Mom for the first time on July 15th. A few weeks later, I flew back to Oregon. As soon as we got off the plane, Ivor, my first dog guide, began wagging his tail, squeaking, and dancing in circles. Ivor’s excitement helped calm my nerves. Hugging Mom, I felt an acceptance and peace I hadn’t felt before.
More than 15 years later, Mom and I are best friends. It would be wrong to pretend we never disagree. Still, the unconditional love we share is something I cherish. No matter what, we will always love each other. We will always be there for each other.