Mother and daughter adoption story
New Year’s Eve has only ever really meant one thing in our house. It is the day my mum was born at 3 minutes to midnight in 1926. I imagine her entering the word and crying and then the fireworks going off.
My mom adopted me and Mum died in 2009 and I miss her.
The idea of me blogging came from her and my whole social media journey is a powerful legacy from her to me.
This week I want to introduce you to my Mum. She was an amazing woman and anyone who knew her was very lucky indeed. She had a long and fascinating life. For today, I will focus on her relationship with myself because my mom adopted me and changed my life.
It all started in 1969 when she took me home on Bonfire Night. I was eleven months old and as you can see, she must have had to have a very good heart to want to adopt something like this.
She put me at the heart of the family and brought joy into my life. Check out her amazing legs by the way.
We became a bit of a double act.
She made me feel safe and warm.
She ensured I had toys and pets.
Sometimes I surprised her.
Sometimes I swam.
Sometimes I got into very deep water.
She encouraged a love of travel.
and music!
and fashion!!!
She kept her promise to my birth mother that she would bring me up to be a good Catholic girl!
She kept going giving me good experiences even when she was struggling emotionally or was in pain.
She accepted that sometimes I would feel closer to my Dad.
She taught me how to hold my own in an argument.
She would take me to see Santa even when I was a bit old for it.
She encouraged my education and lived to see me graduate with a degree in Law from Cambridge University. I would love to know what she thought that day. This is a woman who was brought up by a alcoholic and violent father, who was poor as a child and later, who was spat at in the street for being Irish. A woman who taught herself words by reading the Reader’s Digest and who never stopped learning. A woman who passed for Grammar School but was not allowed to go through poverty and ended up as a factory worker aged 12 years of age.
When I think of Mum, the overwhelming memory is of laughter and a fabulous sense of fun.
Happy New Year from the two founders of this blog – Irene Holmes and her daughter Catherine. My mum adopted me and I am proud of her.
Originally posted 2013-12-31 17:20:47.
That’s a lovely tribute and a fab set of photos. Thanks for sharing them.
I have been thinking a lot this week about the words I read on another blog, by a friend who lost her Mum earlier this year. Although I’ve not lost a parent (but have lost two brothers) they really did resonate with how I try to live.
She said: “You can wallow, or you can live the life that person would have wanted you to. You can make every effort, every day to do something that person would have been so proud of.”
And I’m sure that’s how your Mum would have felt that day at Cambridge, and every day after, seeing you raise your family, and find your voice. Here’s to a happy, healthy and successful 2014 for you and your family, Kate.
Aw Kate, I love that last photo, full of happiness and promise xx
What a beautiful post Kate. I expect she’s rather proud looking down you. And rightly so xx
Such a beautiful post and such wonderful memories for you to treasure.
What a great introduction to your mum who, from this account alone, seemed to be an inspirational lady. I love all the pictures to, a very touching tribute.
What a wonderful post! I also lost my Mom – in 2011. She, too, was adopted, and she in turn adopted 2 of my sisters (one of whom looked just like you looked in one of these pics – but not in all of them!) It’s a very special bond that comes thru adoption : )
What a lovely post – it brought a tear to my eye. I think you were both very lucky to have each other.
what a wonderful blog post & some fantastic photos…I have a four year old daughter and I hope when she is older or when I am no longer around, she can look at our relationship with as much love & warmth as you do for your mum.
I found you via Britmums by the way!
This is lovely Kate she sounded like an incredible Woman, there is a lot of her spirit in you I can see that, Happy New Year xx
What a beautiful post-Kate. You can see the proudness in her face, such lovely photos and memories 🙂 Thanks for sharing with us.
A beautiful and heart warming post Kate, your Mum sounds like an amazing lady! Thanks so much for linking up at #fortheloveofBLOG. Claire x
This totally gave me goosebumps. What a wonderful story. Your Mom sounds like a fabulous lady, I can see why you are so proud of her. And I’m certain she was and still would be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing with #TriumphantTales.
I love how you have told your story through photographs. Your mom sounds like a fantastic person and as much as you are proud of her I am sure she is incredibly proud of you! #ABloggingGoodTime
Aw so beautiful, you Mum is a real legend, and so are you!
Absolutely beautiful Kate. It comes across in leaps and bounds how much you loved her. Very very touching #ablogginggoodtime
What an incredible woman, how she came from such a heartbreaking tale to be an amazing mum and strong, happy woman who dearly loved her daughter. You can see in the photos the happiness and laughter as well as the love. You were both so lucky to have each other! Thank you for sharing with #ABloggingGoodTime