MOTHER'S DAY IS APPROACHING!

Mother’s Day is coming soon and I am honored this is my first year as a mother. Last year I was 4 months pregnant with the twins on Mother's Day. But this will be my first official Mother’s Day with two precious babies of my own in my arms. It’s a strange transition to go from dreading this holiday to looking forward to it. It's something I've longed to experience for years and years. So, I'm excited to celebrate all that this special occasion brings. But even in my happiness, I can’t help thinking about those who are still longing for a baby, perhaps dreading the celebration of Mother's Day. It can almost seem like a slap in the face reminding you that for yet another year, you are not a mother. There isn't a day that passes that I don't pray for those men and women longing to start their families. I know God has a plan for their family and I pray they trust in that plan.

I know Mother's Day isn't a happy celebration for everyone for various reasons. A person might have a difficult relationship with his or her mom or a mother who is no longer living. A person might be struggling with infertility or a past abortion or a miscarriage, all of which might be emphasized by Mother’s Day. I don't know how those other people feel in those situations, but I do know about how infertility makes one feel.

Infertility is painful and lonely. Acknowledging that someone may be struggling on Mother's day will make her feel understood instead of forgotten. So, please don't forget those longing to be mommies on this special holiday. Tell them you love them and that you care. Tell them that they will be mommies, someday, in some way. I know I will. Because no matter all the happiness I feel, I will never forget that sadness. It's a part of me that's made me stronger and more faithful and trusting.

Thank you, God, for the gift of all mothers.

And dear Elijah and Will, thank you for making me a mommy. You are my miracles and I love you more than you'll ever know.