Happy Tuesday, friends.

Today, I am going back to my Lunchbox Babies roots and really going to love on the infertility community out there.

I am one of you, and you are why I started this blog. Because of my crazy story, I get to be a voice for this community. And, for that, I am thankful.

So, for all of my sweet readers that come for the book reviews and my product obsessions, make sure to forward this to someone that needs to see it. We are all in this together.

This week, we are leading up to Mother’s Day. Our lives look different than usual right now as we are living through Covid-19. But, nevertheless, the online church services and smaller family get togethers will be all about the Moms.

And, please let say that I love a good holiday. Reid started getting me a Mother’s Day card from Duke, our sweet, black lab, way back in 2004! So, I am not one to shy away from the celebration.

But, for those of you that have had to struggle with getting pregnant, or keeping a pregnancy . . . Mother’s Day is not a day to celebrate, but a day that leaves a mix of feelings. Some heart-wrenching, some bittersweet.

So, for those women (and men) struggling with infertility this Mother’s Day, I just want you to know that you are not alone. I have lived your life and walked your road. I have been the one that should have bought stock in pregnancy tests companies due to my slight addiction to taking them. I have been the one trying to read a magazine in the waiting room all while I am trying to control my shaking. Is that from nervousness or hope? Probably both? I have been the one waiting.

Oh, the waiting.

That one month wait for your treatment to begin.

That two week wait to find out if the procedure worked.

The waiting to make sure all goes well, and you can start celebrating your pregnancy.

Just the waiting.

If you have gone through infertility, then you know.

I have been the one on my knees in the bathroom yelling at God.

I have been the woman crying softly during church on Mother’s Day wondering when I was going to get the chance to be a mom. And, then cried again when I was a mom and was struggling with miscarriages and secondary infertility. And, then cried again once my family was complete and I knew that I had to move forward with my blessings. Clearly, I seem to cry just a bit.

If you have never gone through infertility issues, had a miscarriage, or held an angel baby before handing her off, Mother’s Day is just . . . Mother’s Day. A wonderful excuse to celebrate the mothers in your life, and to let your kids and husband spoil you just a bit. If you have experienced any or all of these things, Mother’s Day takes on a new meaning.

On this Mother’s Day, for all of you moms out there .  . . Happy Mother’s Day.  I hope that you have an amazing day enjoying your family, get some flowers, and maybe even be able to go to the bathroom by yourself (you moms can definitely understand that . . . why is it that my kids don’t need me until I am in the bathroom?).

For those of you that are struggling with infertility. For those of you that have babies in Heaven. For those of you that thought you would be a mom by now. Sweet friends, I pray for you. Mother’s Day will never be a day just filled with joy. I promise that the joy comes, but it is so often a reminder of the struggles, the hopes, and the losses. I pray that you feel peace and comfort this Sunday. And, above all, hope and love.

I will be thinking about all of you this Sunday! The moms and the moms in waiting! If you need some extra support, please reach out to me. I am always here. XO