I'm way behind the times, apparently. For a while now, the Today show has been running a great contest in conjunction with Teleflora Florist, for"America's Favorite Mom." This morning, while making a real breakfast and sipping my creamy hazelnut coffee, I got to see the semi-finalists in the "Non Mom" Mom category. The definition of today's featured category is as follows:
"Grandparent, stepmom, or mom to adopted children,
each one raising and loving a child.
A priceless gift for everybody."
each one raising and loving a child.
A priceless gift for everybody."
I know I'm a sap. I know I'm the worlds' easiest target for all Hallmark and retro McDonalds' commercials (you know, the one with the little sister and the big brother's letterman's jacket?). So, when I tuned in and turned it up, I knew the stories would get me. And I wasn't wrong! You really must head over and view the stories of each of today's moms yourself (Go to the "vote May 8th section of the page).
These women are doing great work and I am happy to report that the common denominator between all three of these awesome moms is their belief that they are doing God's work. That God created these families with which they have been blessed. That the children they have the privilege of parenting came to them via God's hand. It was a good thing for me to see today. And a great reminder for all of us: these precious ones are God's and when we serve them, we are serving Him!
These women are doing great work and I am happy to report that the common denominator between all three of these awesome moms is their belief that they are doing God's work. That God created these families with which they have been blessed. That the children they have the privilege of parenting came to them via God's hand. It was a good thing for me to see today. And a great reminder for all of us: these precious ones are God's and when we serve them, we are serving Him!
Go. Read. Cry. Vote.
And be encouraged: you are doing God's work today, Mom!
And be encouraged: you are doing God's work today, Mom!
9 comments:
Wow, all three of the moms up for voting today sound like awesome ladies! Thanks for the heads up.
I gotta go check that out but I'm a little confused off the bat. An adoptive mom falls in to the "Non-Mom" category? Am I missing something??
K~
I was confused too - but the category is for moms who are mothering children not born to them - they just said it awkwardly! I know, I was a tad ruffled at first too :)
I am really upset by this one -- someone needs to educate them on adoptive moms - WE ARE REAL MOMS! I will step off the soapbox now, maybe I will feel differently when I get the chance to read the story.
Beverly
Ok, so I'm trying to read about the woman with six (i think) adopted SN children and I can't even finish. I'm so offended for her. Why would they ever think of putting her in the "Non-Mom" category? It just doesn't make sense to me. And come to think of it, didn't Marie Osmond adopt some of her children? Maybe I'm confusing her with someone else...either way, I can't find a place to write NBC and tell them how offensive that terminology is to me and the rest of the adoptive parents out there. I love that they included adoptive parents but should there really be a distriction between us and the mothers of biological children? I parent bio and adopted and I'm no less of a mother to Alayna that I am to my two bio kids. We are all mothers...bio and/or adopted. I just don't get it. And I really can't believe that NO ONE at NBC thought that putting adoptive moms in the "NON MOM" category would ruffle any feathers!! What were they thinking? Ok, Tracy, I'm done now. Sorry about that. I hope I didn't ruffle your feathers...cause I luv ya!!!
Ooh, I am going to check this out (right after I get my Kleenex box). Who says I am never prepared?
hey! Thanks for the comments on my blog - but I had learned about this from another site - not yours!! My day was whammed before I read your blog!
I managed to send NBC an email - I'm sure they will get right on correcting.. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I think the concept is great - we all have women in our lives who are not our mothers that have indeed mothered us. I just think that is a completele separate issue from adoption. It made being an adoptive mom a second rate mom -which is SO not the case. I think especially around Mother's Day, which for me is and has always been filled with emotions -both high and low, I tend to be super sensitive!! I am on to "happier" moments today!! Come by and visit! :-)Bev
Hey -- BB is Bethany Boards... our adoption agency too... we have a chat forum!!
Beverly
My name is Jennifer, and I work with Edelman (www.edelman.com) on behalf of Teleflora’s “America’s Favorite Mom” program. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this issue.
After closer examination, Teleflora recognized how this may have been offensive to moms who have adopted children… moms who are indeed real moms in every sense of the word. This show of insensitivity was in no way intended and Teleflora offers its deepest apology. It was always Teleflora’s intent to salute and celebrate all moms.
Please know that in response the concerns expressed, Teleflora immediately changed the name of the “Non-Mom” category to “Adopting Moms,” which has already been posted on the “semi-finalist” page at www.AmericasFavoriteMom.com.
I thought you might want to know. On behalf of Teleflora, I hope you have a very happy Mother’s Day.
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