“You’ve changed in the short time I’ve known you.” My friend made the observation as we drove up the windy road through the mountains, chatting on our way home from a moms’ night out. I smiled because knew she meant statement in a positive way. After over a year living in northern Utah, my walls were coming down. I was inviting people into the space in my heart I usually kept guarded. And this was a huge step for me. The truth about belonging that had alluded me for most of my life became Continue Reading
The Danger in Letting Others Define Who We Are
“Don’t ever say you’re just a mom.” I spun around, startled at the realization that my conversation wasn’t private. I was talking to the cashier at a local toy store about school and pursuing a career in writing. Both my boys were tiny at the time, and before I knew it the statement that I was “just a mom” spilled out of my mouth. It wasn’t that I didn’t think mothering was important. It had more to do with other’s perception. Or at least, that’s what I thought. When I turned I saw an Continue Reading
For the One Who Doesn’t Know What Her Life is Worth
When the doctor told me my son’s life might be in danger, I didn’t have to think about my next step. A nurse came in and put an oxygen mask over my face to keep me from hyperventilating and I motioned for my husband to sign the consent form. Natural childbirth wasn’t an option. Even though I hadn’t met my son face to face, his life was worth the risk. The features of his face were still a mystery and I hadn’t heard his first cry, but I knew him. I knew his heartbeat. I knew he got the Continue Reading