Mother's Nod

Truckers have one, the horn toot. Streetcars/trolleys have one, ding ding.   Bickers have one, the lower hand wave.  Motorist driving the same vehicle even share one.  Boaters have one, the hand up. 
In all social circles there seems to be body language signal shared to acknowledge some form of commonality. 

Mothers perform a ritual to one another as they pass in the street, in the malls and at the checkout line.  The mothers will look into the baby carriage and look up at the other mother and smile.  These common nods occur many times a day from friendly mothers.  Many of these friendly mothers often stop and inquire or complement my baby.  As nice as it to stop and chat and be acknowledged into the circles of motherhood  it is another reminder how invisible I have been as a mother.  I know there are countless other invisible mother's out there and I want to take a minute to acknowledge you. 

The poem below was shared on Triplet Butterfly Wings' blog .

What makes a Mother


I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today.
I asked what makes a Mother
And I know I heard him say.

A Mother has a baby
This we know is true.'
But God, can you be a Mother
When your baby's not with you?
Yes, you can, He replied
With confidence in His voice

I give many women babies
When they leave is not their choice.
Some I send for a lifetime
And others for a day.
And some I send to feel your womb
But there's no need to stay.

I just don't understand this,
God I want my baby here
He took a breath and cleared His throat
And then I saw a tear.

I wish I could show you
What your child is doing today.

If you could see your child smile with other children and say:
"We go to earth to learn our lessons Of love and life and fear.
My Mommy loved me oh so much I got to come straight here.

I feel so lucky to have a Mom
Who had so much love for me
I learned my lesson very quickly
My Mommy set me free.

I miss my Mommy oh so much
But I visit her each day.
When she goes to sleep
On her pillow's where I lay.
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek
And whisper in her ear.
"Mommy don't be sad today I'm your baby and I'm here."

So you see my dear sweet one
Your children are OK
Your babies are here in My home
And this is where they'll stay.

They'll wait for you with Me
Until your lesson is through.
And on the day that you come home
They'll be at the gates for you.

So now you see what makes a Mother
It's the feeling in your heart.
It's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start.

-author unknown