My mother has always told me that I’m beautiful. I have countless memories of a young me, hating everything about myself, and my mother would tell me what she saw. A beautiful young lady. I have no memory of ever telling her how beautiful she is, and let me tell you, my mother is gorgeous. Instead of telling her this, I metaphorically slapped her in the face. Let me tell you how.

Growing up, people would tell me how much I look like my mom. Instead of smiling, and reveling in such a wonderful compliment, I laughed and responded the same, each time, with, “I’m adopted!” What an ungrateful, hurtful brat. I never bothered to look at my mother’s face when I spoke up, and I never bothered to think before opening my big mouth. Sure, I spoke the truth, I am adopted, but who cares?

Recently I was able to visit my family, and my parents took my husband and I out to dinner at a favorite spot of theirs. They know the whole staff, because my parents are people people. One of the gentlemen came over, we were introduced, and he commented on how much I look like my mother. I smiled, and thanked him. When he walked away, my mom asked me if we should tell him. My heart broke, as I looked at the beautiful woman in front of me and said, ‘No.’ There is no reason to mention adoption. The truth is, I look like my mom. Sure, we look different, too, but when people see us together, they can see a resemblance. How amazing is that?! God thinks of everything.

Mom, the fact that people say we look alike is the biggest, sweetest compliment. There is no one more beautiful than you. I love you.