One of the reasons I wanted to start a blog, was so I could share the stories of those I meet, to pass along hope and inspiration to others. There are several women who surround me, with lives that need to be shared. Today you will meet two of them, and as the journey continues, I ask for prayer for them to have strong feet, until they reach solid ground.
Shana....
Shana is one of my dearest friends. I always joke I did not want her to work with me, because I was afraid she would leave. But she was persistent, and I am forever thankful, because she has had a huge impact on my life. Shana is the mother of a beautiful soon to be 3 year old daughter, and yet to be born daughter on the way. I look to her as a model for how to be with my own daughter, not allowing too much television, always having proper manners, lots of structure mixed in with lots of play. I sought her advice on what I really needed when I was pregnant, and found unending support during my "baby blue" days, and breastfeeding journey. Shana was very excited when she found out she was able to get pregnant so quickly, as was I, because I was able to give her in return all the support she provided for me, including breastfeeding help to make sure this time was successful. Not too long ago, she received the news that no mother wants to hear. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and had to start chemotherapy treatment right away. Her hair has started to fall out, and the little angel has yet to make her way into the world. For as devastating as this is, she is the most optimistic person I know. After all is said and done, I know she will have sage advice for other mothers who may be in her shoes, and will gladly pass it on....
JoEllen....
From even before the day I met JoEllen, I admired her path in life. It was one I wanted to follow desperately, and she tried to advise me the best she could, before fate intervened and placed me in the office next to her. She so graciously allows me to pick her brain, and during her maternity leave I took it upon myself to create a life size cut out for her desk, because we missed her presence so dearly. It was she who told me to "honor the mother", and has taught me ways of doing so. She has a natural compassion that allows her to reach women of all walks of life, and embrace who they are, and take back the power of decision making in their own well being. A few months ago she decided to have the birth she desired. To bring a little life into peaceful waters in the comfort of her home, free of interventions and medications, the way nature intended. Little Lincoln came into being, from womb to water, scooped up by her arms. All was well, and a few days later, it wasn't. She knew something was off, so they went to the hospital. Very quickly he was whisked off to Cincinnati Children's Hospital NICU, where he is temporarily residing until the hiccups cease. Lincoln was born with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. It is one of the rarest types of defects, and always must endure a transplant. He has already had one surgery to prepare him for the next step, and he has not even crossed the 6 month mark. Despite the diagnosis, JoEllen too has remained optimistic. Not to say that there has not been moments of absolute melt downs, but that is human, and the emotions of any mother with a child in this situation... She even took her IBCLC exam last month, which is the monster of lactation test!
Although these journeys are very different, one thing is common. We place our hope in our creator, therefore it is not lost, and in the best hands possible.. It is not over, and for that we are thankful, forever.....
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