By Alej Diaz –
Our 32 Special Moms are more excited than usual this week. Last night we held our first Mothers Day Celebration for these special mothers at a wonderful restaurant in Guatemala City.
Founder Heather Radu was our guest speaker. The message she shared really touched the mothers. “It takes special people to change diapers, bathe five three-year-olds at once, help kids with their homework, and fold mountains of laundry,” she said.
An artists drawing of what the backyard will look like when completed.
Heather also announced plans to turn the backyard into a giant playground area. Everyone was so excited at the news and we all lingered over the plans as they were passed around the room.
Our special mothers really appreciated the night out. They dressed to the nines and were treated like royalty.
“I feel like I’m a little girl on this day,” says Mahaly Lemus. “I feel so special. I often feel like I’m always serving everybody, and on this day someone else serves me. I really enjoy what happens.”
Having others wait on her makes Diana Chanchavac feel special, too.
“That shows me they care for me and like my work,” Diana says. “It means they are thinking of me. On this day we can just relax. Another reason it is so special for me is because I don’t have any kids of my own. So it’s special for me that Heather gives me a day of celebration, as if the children I take care of at Dorie’s Promise are like my own. I love my kids.”
“I really like the food—it tastes wonderful,” says Ismelda Samale, who particularly enjoyed last year’s festivities at a park and playing with water balloons. “Also, just spending time together as Special Moms makes me feel closer to this wonderful community that I am part of!”
Adoptive parent Paul Kvinta has developed bonds with the Special Moms.
A resident of Texas, he moved to Guatemala last November to be close to his daughter, Marcela. Paul expects to soon take her back to the U.S. Although a handful of the children have adoptive parents waiting, for most the Special Moms are the only mothers they will ever know, he says.
“Since I moved here Momma Nico has told me more than once, ‘Pablo, we will be glad when Marcela can join you in America, but it will be very sad for us. I have raised Marcela since she was born. It is difficult for us to see these children go,’” Paul says. “Nico and the other mothers feel this way because they care so much for these children.”
Indeed they do, which is why we like to celebrate them and all they do for Dorie’s Promise. Remember on Mother’s Day to thank your mom for what she has meant to your life.