This morning I was sitting down to my morning coffee, reading through today’s PostSecret, smiling at my boys running around the house. This year marks my fourth celebration of Mother’s Day with a baby to kiss and a child to tuck in. Today’s PostSecret reminded me that it wasn’t always that way, having survived infertility and miscarriage, Mother’s Day was really tough for me. I remember dreading going out on Mother’s Day just to be asked when I was planning on starting a family, folks not knowing that we had been trying for nearly a year at that point. Then I had a miscarriage and all of my innocence was lost.
The next Mother’s Day was the first time anyone could tell I was pregnant with my first son. I was terrified of losing him like I had lost my first pregnancy. I wanted to tell everyone who wished me a “Happy Mother’s Day” that I wasn’t a mother yet…. but I was, twice over. I didn’t want others to feel uncomfortable around me so I smiled and thanked them, while taking time to be thankful for both of the babies I had conceived, even though one of them never made it.
1 in 8 women suffer infertility. 1 in 4 women suffer a miscarriage or infant loss. These women are still mothers, and I want you to know you aren’t forgotten. Mother’s Day is a really tough day for you I am sure, I’ve been there. Just remember you aren’t alone and you are still an amazing mother.
