To the mom who's waiting.......

To the mom who's waiting to become a mommy on this Mother's Day,

Please know that those of us who have been there have not forgotten.  We don't forget the pain and ache and longing you're struggling through.  Please know the world is filed with kindred spirits.  Know that you'll encounter fellow fighters long after you become a parent or resolve to be kid-free.  There's often a whole new fight and group fighting the same battle for more kiddos after you become a parent.  I know how lonely you might feel right now and that it's not so much "comfort" you derive from knowing others know too-well that same pain, but we're here.  Lots of us! I know many who don't talk about it much or who have been blessed to come out of the struggle with the same family they had planned all along, but they too think of you often and remember being in your shoes.

As I've said before, my best advice when you're in the trenches of your IF struggle is to follow your heart and make each new decision the best you can with the information you have at the time.  Life teaches us that all along but the perspective can be so quickly lost in the most heartfelt fight of your life.

While you're waiting, find the things that make you the most happy, even if that happiness is quick or fleeting, and do them A LOT!  Now, more than ever, put yourself first and say no when you need to.  Please, in the toughest moments, know that you are not alone and that the world is filled with women thinking of you and knowing your struggle.

Finally, never say never, and know there are SO many ways to make a family.  It's pretty cliche and you've heard it before, but from someone who said "never" more than once, just keep your mind and heart open to all the possibilities.

So much love!!

XOXO
Jess