Brady's Blessing

Brady Mae was blessed on Mother's Day. In her sermon Pastor Barbara talked about Hanai, which means family by choice in Hawaiian culture. The Aeby's have been part of my Hanai since I was ten years old and being with them always feels like coming home.

It didn't take me long to discover that one of the most magical parts of motherhood is other mamas, especially this one. After being best friends for over 20 years Rachel called me one morning and about thirty seconds into the conversation I knew she was going to tell me she was pregnant, having just tested positive myself a day or two before. (I planned to tell her in person but she can't keep a secret for more than fifteen seconds so she called me as soon as she knew). It turned out we were due the exact same day. We've lived an hour apart since college so it was such a blessing to have Rachel fifteen minutes away while we went though pregnancy, childbirth and the first six months of our baby girls lives together. Of all the things I am thankful for, the bond that Rach and I share is at the top of the list. She loves my kids as if they're her own and her generous heart never ceases to inspire me.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms loving their babies with all they've got. I think we'd all agree that being a mom is the hardest thing we've ever done and the most sacred gift we've ever been given.