They Get It

Two years ago I needed support.  I was in the darkness and on a new path.  I just needed a bit of light to see the way and give me a boost of confidence to know that even on this new journey, I would find my way.

I needed to hear the words, “me too,” “YES!” and “Finally, someone really understands.”

I slung a net of hope out into the world and brought back in it some of the most amazing people I have ever (and never) met.  

Through the wonderful world of technology I have been able to connect, literally, with hundreds of moms from the other side of the city to the other side of the world. They have a great sense of what that new path holds, where it has been and what might be over the next hill or mountain. They get it.

Nearly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, I can log on and know I am not alone in this journey of motherhood.  I can celebrate or whine.  I can talk about nothing just as easily as I can talk about everything important in my life. Nothing is too large or small. Someone will listen.

I am granted grace on the days my deeper thoughts are less than desirable. I am gifted with daily laughs and encouragement.  I am allowed to be me, warts and all. And this has made a difference.

The greatest gift in all this hasn’t just been fully selfish connections I’ve made.  In looking back, I’ve begun to realize the pure power in these connections.  The enormous strength in numbers, especially in times of need. The vast knowledge learned and shared by those not afraid to help out.  The incredible friendships built across miles that are deeply rooted in love and understanding.

Too often women are given a bad rap that drama will ensue when numbers in a crowd escalate.  This community, for me, is proof positive that when everyone checks themselves at the door and fully engages in community, wonderful, meaningful connections will bloom.   

Women need to stick together and for moms, that is even more true. There is too much to be learned from one another for the betterment of ourselves and our families to not do life together.

My life, today, is not really that different than I imagined it would be 10 years ago- a house full of crazy kids keeping me busy and a husband that loves me and supports my ambitions….But it is drastically different than the new life that I imagined just 2 short years ago.  And I believe my online family and the new moms I have the pleasure of meeting each day have made that difference for me. There is much to be said for friendships that transcend thousands of miles of space and even more for those friendships that are grounded in a life-altering experience of the most personal magnitude. Thank you, doesn't even seem enough.

I am more grateful than I can ever express how appreciative I can be for the women who open themselves up to be real and kind and caring.  It started with a bond of our children having Down syndrome, but has become so much more.