Every year on Mother's Day the world takes a moment to reflect on what is one of the most important jobs in the world, being a parent; in this case, a mother. It is often that the care and labor of Mothers around the world is taken for granted, and it is on Mother’s day that we receive a sober reminder of just how important a role mothers play, both in the world and in our lives individually.

I am reminded to be thankful for a mother who has worked hard and sacrificed much to take care of me. Even when she didn’t agree with me or when she had her doubts, she has always been there for me.

For me, Mother’s Day is doubly special because I am a part of a small group of people for which blood means nothing. I was adopted by my parents when I was one year old, and they have cared for me as their own son since. They were not bound to care for me by law or by obligation, but by choice.

I will never understand what it means to be bound to someone by blood, but this has given me, and others like me, unique perspective on the meaning of family. I have never met anyone of blood relation to me, but I have a large family; one who has accepted me as one of their own without hesitation or prejudice.

It is thanks to this that I have learned one very important thing, that the bonds of friendship and love are more important than those of blood. The woman who adopted me some 25 years ago may not be related to me, but she is my mother.

So I will use my platform on Odyssey to say this to my mother on Mother’s Day 2016: Thank you. The fact that you chose me and cared for me all these years has not gone unnoticed. I am eternally grateful and I will never be able to repay the kindness, love and commitment you have shown me.

To others who may be reading this: If you are considering adopting a child, please do. There are many children who are out there in need of loving homes. Do not worry that they will not love you as your own blood would, because they will.

And finally, to those of you who are, like me, one of the chosen: Remember to hug your Mother extra tight this Mother’s Day; and take a moment to reflect on the special bond that we share with our families, one just as strong and powerful as those forged in birth.