Unlike many adoptive families today, my mum and I have always celebrated my Gotcha! Day with pride knowing that we had a special relationship like no others. So when I went to bed last night, I dreaded waking this morning — my first Gotcha! Day without my mum.

I won’t deny it. This morning was pretty awful. The person with whom I have celebrated every November 3 since 1972, was no longer here. There could be no telephone call, no text, no card, no Facebook status update sharing our mutual admiration for one another. There could be nothing but silence because she was no longer here to share the day with me.

I cried a lot this morning. I sobbed, really — uncontrollable body wracking sobs that brought me crashing to the floor.

And then the silence broke.

Friends from all reaches of the world sent virtual hugs and messages of love. My tears were slowly replaced with smiles, laughter and the reminder that she is still here with me. I carry her love in my heart every minute of every day. It was that love that gathered a small group of my friends together tonight to honor my mum and the foundation that is carrying on her mission.

For two hours, 14 incredible friends and I laughed together while sharing a casual meal at Irving Farm Coffee Roasters on the UWS. As one of the attendees said, “It was so enjoyable tonight. Totally you…relaxed and laid back.” When the evening came to an end, we had raised $1540 for The Rita Langworthy Foundation. Oh yeah. If I failed to mention it, my friends are incredible. Not only are they genuine and loving, but they are some of the most generous human beings on earth.

Thank you Megan, Steven, Nadine, Dan, Allison, Melissa, Marilyn, Jodi, Pam, Nan, Yumee, Yeon-Mee, Mary and Frank, for helping me redefine how I mark my Gotcha! Day by celebrating the bond between my mum and I surrounded by friends.