Birthdays and Blessings

It's my mom's birthday today!  Yep, April Fool's Day.  Makes you think she had lots of awesome birthday parties growing up, lots of fun pranks and craziness, but not so.  She had a rough life.  I'm not about to air her dirty laundry here, but suffice it to say she felt abandoned a lot, and it's a miracle I had the childhood I had, considering her lack of role models.  She did great.  What an awesome mom.  She made sacrifices and gave up what she felt she needed to in order for us to have a real childhood.  I love her dearly, even though for years she thought to be strong, she had to hide her feelings.  She tells me she's proud of me now, and my son.  That means a lot coming from her.  She had a lot to bear on her shoulders over the years, and she came out strong.

*****

A friend of mine gave birth to a miracle child a few short months ago, and the baby is doing great.  She's about to have a blessing ceremony at a church near her home in England.  I wish I could go to see her.  I've never met the baby, just seen pictures.  But she looks absolutely gorgeous, and I've never seen such a happy mother.  It was a miracle that she got pregnant, with multiple health problems, then to have a healthy pregnancy and safe childbirth . . .  Miracle baby, I tell you.  And she must have had a wonderful team of doctors behind her, keeping everything going so smoothly.

I remember how happy she was when she heard I was pregnant, and went through every step with me, long distance, as if it were her own pregnancy.  I felt so glad to have her as a friend, but sad she might not get to have the same blessing I did.  It would be rough, the doctor's said, and not recommended.  But somehow, she managed it.  I got to hear the about the whole process from start to finish, and now I get regular updates in photos and phone calls, to let me know how the baby is doing.  So happy for her.

*****

So today I tried to keep my mind off of my problems, and onto the happiness of others for a change.  Let's see what tomorrow brings.  It might be great, if I'm willing to see it.