Spotlight on BirthMom
Buds Birthmothers Day Event
by Melanie Mosberg
Birthmom Buds
6th annual Birthmother’s Day Celebration is around the
corner. On Saturday, May 1st, 2010 in Charlotte, NC, birthmothers will have a day
of remembrance, fun and fellowship with other birthmothers.
BirthMom Buds
held their first celebration in May 2005 and I was fortunate enough to be
in attendance. It was a small gathering with fellow birthmothers. I had
no idea what to expect. Coley was my mentor during my
pregnancy so of course I was excited to meet her for the first time but I
was nervous as I had never really talked to other birthmothers. I was curious about their
stories and experiences and the emotions they encounter.
Did they feel
the same way I did?
The answer is YES. All of our experiences are different however our common bond is being a birthmother and choosing life for our children and that common bond was evident as I talked with other birthmothers in attendance at BirthMom Buds' very first Birthmother’s Day event.
Coley is one of the most creative people I have ever met and have the privilege of knowing. Each year she, along with a few others, pours her heart and soul into the planning of the event by choosing a fun theme and meaningful other elements to the day. The theme each year is carried out throughout the day from the gift bags to the table arrangements and craft projects.
The theme for
2005 was “Luau for Life” and a Hawaiian luau theme was carried throughout
the day complete with leis for each birthmother as she arrived. In 2006,
the theme was “Pampered Princess “featuring elegant decorations. Each
birthmother donned a sparkly tiara.
In 2007, we
celebrated Hollywood style
with the theme “You’re a Star” complete with a
red carpet. And in 2008, we got tropical with a “Birthmother’s Beach Bash”
and each birthmother took home a tiny little beach pail that had sea
shells and sand in it. Lastly in 2009, Coley pulled off an unusual but
very meaningful theme of "The Road Less Traveled" complete with
centerpieces donning road signs like "Adoption Avenue" and "Reunion
Way." I think you will love this year's theme!
Each year there is always a candle light ceremony, a slideshow featuring
photos of our children, speakers from various different positions of the
adoption triad, door prizes, fellowship, yummy food, and so much more!
Last year Coley added breakout sessions to the agenda. They were
educational and informative and they will return this year.
The first two
years, the Birthmother’s Day Celebrations were held in Greenville, South
Carolina. In 2007, I took on the task of event coordinator handling the
logistics and we moved our celebration to bigger venues in Charlotte, North
Carolina. The first event started out small and each year seems to get
bigger and better.
If you can make it to Charlotte, NC the 1st weekend in May for the BirthMom Buds Birthmother’s Day Celebration I HIGHLY recommend it. Whether you are a car ride or plane ride away, EVERYONE is welcome. This year's chosen theme is "Mad Hatter's Tea Party" and I certainly can not wait to see what Coley does with this theme!
We've planned a
weekend full of activities for those who wish to attend. We also have a
discounted group rate at the hotel so please contact Coley for more
information.
Weekend Events
Friday, April 30th -
7:00 PM - BirthMom Buds & Friends Dinner
Saturday, May 1st –
9:00 AM Birthmother’s Day Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and Celebration
Light breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30 AM and lunch will be
served at 12:30 PM.
Saturday, May 1st –
7:00 PM – Dinner & Dancing
Sunday, May 2, 10:00 AM – Farewell Brunch in the hotel restaurant
Also, limited seating is available this year, so please RSVP to Coley at
birthmombuds@gmail.com once you have decided that you will be in
attendance.
Check out
this year's
invitation with all the details!
Learn more about
Birthmother's Day
View past slideshows
and learn how to submit your photos for this year's slideshow.
BirthMom Buds Home Page
Email BirthMom Buds