When I auditioned/was accepted into Listen To Your Mother Austin I somehow did so under the false impression it was all about me.
The child was little (six) and while she was excited to come and hear me read the *real* highlight of the event for her was there were gummy worms involved (I still have no idea from whence those came).
I thought the day was all about me and for me.
The royal me of mothers and motherhood and men & women sharing stories and connecting on a level I’d not experienced before with people I didn’t (fingerquote) know (unFQ).
I thought she wouldn’t remember how I told our tale.
About adoption and waiting and paperwork and moving and people thinking she was the Buddha.
But she remembers.
And it is she who asks each year around this time to listen to my read our story again.
And so I’m sharing here, again, as well.
It’s a universal story.
It’s a story for anyone who has experienced loving a child who wasn’t born to them.
It’s a reminder as mothers/mother-figures so much of what we do (the good and the bad) may appear to go unnoticed—but it’s noted.
And remembered.
Listen To Your Mother shows happened/are happening all over the country for the final time.
Listen To Your Mother has now become a book.
Motherhood is amazing, complicated and fraught with conflicting emotions.
I thought it was all about me/motherhood when I had the opportunity to share my story through LTYM.
The older she gets the more I realize it was, in fact, a Mother’s Day gift to her.
Still.
<3
Lizzie says
May 6, 2016 at 5:13 amTears.
Lucie Palka says
May 6, 2016 at 5:27 amTouching story Carla! Love it! It brought tears to my eyes! The waiting part must have been difficult!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
May 6, 2016 at 5:42 amThis is so cool. What a story and way to share it!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
May 6, 2016 at 6:00 amI love that “people thinking she was the Buddha”! Don’t we all feel that way about babies?
Happy Mother’s Day, Carla! I don’t know who is luckier–you or your daughter!
Carolann says
May 6, 2016 at 7:37 amBeautiful story Carla. I loved the ending. I can’t wait to read the book!
Brianne says
May 6, 2016 at 7:45 amThis is incredible! So proud of you, and I am all teary eyed now!
Pennie Nichols says
May 6, 2016 at 7:50 amThanks for sharing. LTYM is truly an amazing experience. I’ve encouraged my friends in Austin to audition next year.
Pamela Lutrell says
May 6, 2016 at 7:56 amYou are so precious…so glad we met.
liz says
May 6, 2016 at 8:01 amSharing everywhere! I love this.
Claudia Schmidt says
May 6, 2016 at 8:08 amSo beautiful, brought me to tears. I love the necklace, love how you said it was like your Buddha because it made you feel calm. Such beautiful words for your daughter. xo
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
May 6, 2016 at 8:27 amxoxoxoxoxo <3
Cococ says
May 6, 2016 at 8:59 am<3 <3 <3
Karen @BakingInATornado says
May 6, 2016 at 9:38 amBeautiful. I love that I get to live in a time when both motherhood and family is a fluid concept. It’s all about love and acceptance.
Jennifer says
May 6, 2016 at 10:32 amSo very beautiful. It may me cry!
Laura Ehlers says
May 6, 2016 at 12:20 pmAnd now I am crying in the lunch room. Just lovely.
Jessica @eatsleepbe says
May 6, 2016 at 12:36 pmI went to the LTYM in Philly a few years ago and it was magical. I didn’t really understand it until I got there. The emotions were raw and beautiful. It was a very special event.
Judy Freedman says
May 6, 2016 at 4:23 pmBeautiful story. I’d like to attend a LTYM event. Didn’t know they had them in Philly, as someone mentioned in a previous comment. That’s near where I live.
laurie @ Musings, Rants & Scribbles says
May 6, 2016 at 4:58 pmSo beautiful, Carla. And I can’t help think what a lucky little girl your daughter is.
Jody - Fit at 58 says
May 6, 2016 at 5:41 pmLOVE!!!
messymimi says
May 6, 2016 at 5:50 pmEven though i’ve heard it before, it’s worth the listen again. Thank you.
Lee Gaitan says
May 7, 2016 at 1:53 pm<3 It's a story that could be told and retold and never get old. And you tell it so well. Beautiful!
Ask Helen says
May 10, 2016 at 9:55 pmYou touched my heart once again, Carla. I really love reading your posts. Motherhood is really amazing.
Leticia Barr says
May 11, 2016 at 9:40 amWhat a beautiful story! I am such a fan of Listen to Your Mother because it allows us to share incredible stories such as yours! Thanks for re-sharing the video of LTYM Austin! I love that videos are created to share these stories more widely than just with those in our cities! xo