Funny how when you start looking for something, you find it. I had a couple experiences in the last few hours that go along with my first post, and I knew I needed to write about them.
I went over to a friends house this morning, and we ended up talking a little bit about friendships, and how, as moms, we kind of get in and out of the loop a lot. When you're in your first trimester, you are just surviving, and you stop getting out, and people forget about you because you're not around. Same thing in the first few months of having a baby, you just stay home a lot more. She said, sometimes I tell my husband, "I just want someone to call me!". I just laughed and said, "I've said the exact same thing to my husband on multiple occasions. Isn't it funny that we both think the same thing?" How many other women probably think the same thing? How often do I discount and forget about the times that people have called me, and only think about all the times that I call them? (I actually was the one to set up this particular playdate, haha).
I read a post on a friend's blog that spoke to me also. She talked about telling our stories, and how just because we aren't perfect at this or that doesn't mean we shouldn't share if we want to. I felt the same way as most of the commenters - I had missed her regular posts and was glad to have her back - no matter what the story is, I loved hearing them and hearing her voice in my head telling them. Perhaps others feel this way about me too? (not in blogging necessarily, but just general life) I shouldn't be afraid to put all of myself out there. My true friends will appreciate ALL of me, not just the happy parts.
Lastly, I read this heart-rending post this morning. I ache for these friends as they go through this trial. I am reminded of my constant terror of losing Grace when I was pregnant, and even now. Please pray for this family. And hold your little ones close and thank God for them. I know I will be.
Beautiful post. I can relate. I have been through so much depression that I could write books on the subject. We have been unemployed for almost 7 months now, living with in-laws again, and struggling every day because I live in a basement with two small windows. Motherhood is hard, but rewarding. Sometimes the rewards don't come for a while and when they come, they are sometimes few and far between. I am not going to preach to you, but I am going to tell you that I relate. You are not alone. There are so many mothers that are in your same shoes. I did a "Mothers Group" last year that just about saved my life. A friend of mine just had 6 or 7 moms get together every month (rotating homes so everyone could host) and we would discuss an article from this website: http://powerofmoms.com/ I only wish it could have been twice a month. You could put something like that together! Even with a few moms from your ward. Women need women. We are social creatures. We need to relate and be related to. Anyway, I will get off my soapbox. Just know that you are loved and you are not alone. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Laura! I think the saddest thing is that so many of us feel this way and don't talk about it. We just gloss over our feelings. While it is important to look at the good things in life, it is so important to acknowledge when things are difficult too, so that we can grow. That's why I started this blog. I hope to be a safe place where people can talk about the good and the bad.
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