As a little girl, aged 3-6, my favorite pastime was playing "mommy" to all the dolls in my room.
Fast forward to my graduation from The University of Michigan, my aspirations of being a mom were replaced with having a burgeoning career, making money, and completing my MBA.
My dreams were mostly realized but something was missing.
After watching a TV movie in the mid-80s, I had an epiphany. The movie, based on a book called, "Mistral's Daughter" told the story of an artist who turned his back on the Jews during the Nazi regime, but later left his daughter his greatest—and never-seen—masterpieces. These paintings were his way of making amends to both her and the local synagogue. He left a legacy dedicated to honoring the Jewish people through his art.
I wept and wept without knowing why. I then had an epiphany: What I really desired was to have Jewish children, raised to know their rich heritage.
Still, somewhat career obsessed, I waited until my mid-thirties to get married, and I had my first child when I was 39.
It really wasn't until the birth of my son that lightning struck. When the doctor handed him to me, I was completely and utterly in love.
As my kids grew up, people commented on what a devoted mother I was. Jacquie Kennedy, in reference to her children, stated that it was the best thing she ever did and nothing else really mattered.
My kids are grown now, and our bond is stronger than ever. I raised them to know their Jewish roots, to be Bar-Mitzvahed, to have good values, and to be musically trained and well educated.
I can't take credit for their gifts and talents. They have grown to be magnificent human beings with their own desires and paths. My job has changed from being a guide to just plain being there for my kids.
Motherhood isn't limited to biology. Fostering, adopting, and grandparenting are all forms of motherhood. And, motherhood is universal. It transcends ethnicity, religion, nationality, and sexual orientation. It's all about love and nurturing those around you.
