Dear Mama-in-Waiting

Last year around this time, I hosted a guest series of letters written by some of my favorite bloggers to new moms.  It was a great tribute, and each letter brought a healthy dose of encouragement and perspective to those hard first months with a baby.  (You can read the whole series here.)

But, perhaps the most powerful letter of all was written by my friend Erika who isn't "technically" a momma herself yet.  Her "Letter to New Moms on Infertility" is, still, one of the posts I am most proud to have featured here because her message is SO SO important - especially to those of us who currently find ourselves in the trenches of motherhood.  It is a great reminder that motherhood - while, no doubt, challenging at times, is a blessing. 

I admit that many a May has passed by in my life without so much of a thought about the millions of women out there still praying and waiting for their chance to be called "mom."  They are our sisters, our best friends, our neighbors, our teachers.  They are the ones that celebrate with us over Positive tests while holding back tears. They proudly post our birth announcements on their fridge, bring us meals, help us babysit, and listen to us whine. But, deep inside, they break.  And pray.  

Last year, Erika's brave post changed me. Hardly a day goes by that I don't think about those mamas-in-waiting and remember how much they might give to have poopy diapers to change or a sleepless night holding a snotty toddler... 

Tomorrow, I will have brunch with my little family, I will hold my sweet boy tight, and I will thank God for the gift of being his momma.  But, today, I will remember the mamas-in-waiting...

Will you join me?

In honor of these mamas, please go vote for Erika's excellent post in the Blogher Voices of the Year contest (here).  Voting ends next week, and she REALLY deserves a chance to be heard.  Thanks!