Mother’s Day is approaching and although it is a joyous day for many mothers around the world, unfortunately for me is a sad day.

When my only daughter was born it was the best day of my life! Although, I was in so much pain because she had to be delivered by cesarean because my blood pressure was high and my placenta stopped functioning, I was happy. Fortunately I was in the hospital and was operated immediately.

When I heard the baby cry it sounded as if she was saying “maaaamii.” Suddenly, I felt a warm feeling in my heart. I remember thinking, “I am the only person in the world that she will call “mami”.  I felt so many feelings. I felt proud, joy, scared a tremendous sense of belonging. I finally belong to a family. I formed a family. I felt this way because my own family had to be separated when I came to this country. I came from Puerto Rico at the tender age of five. I came to the U.S.A. with my mother, brothers, and sisters. We were fleeing from the torment of domestic abuse. At the time we were four

boys and 3 girls. When we arrived in the United States we had to be separated and go with different relatives in New York City. It was very scary for all of us. We were in a foreign country and with people we really did not know.

 This was a long time ago and I grew up, got married, and formed a family. I was a very good mom. I postponed my education so that I can dedicate my life to taking care of my child. Now, my daughter is grown and does not celebrate “Mother’s Day.” I live in Maryland and she lives in another state.

She never calls me and I am not allowed to visit her. There are too many things that I cannot reveal for they are too painful for me to express.

Every day of my life ‘my heart bleeds”. A mother gives so much and receives so little. Life is not fair. But I am content because I sacrificed a lot as a good mother would and hope that one day she will understand and treasure my love.