Giving Thanks

This week has been a hard week for me to actively recognize things that I am thankful for, although in the midst of everything there really are a lot.

When thinking of what I am thankful for, one of the first things that comes to mind are some people. Of course, first and foremost, my husband who is my partner in everything. Also, our friends and family who have been so supportive and loving.

But tonight I want to recognize some other people. I want to recognize the women who call themselves bereaved mothers, those who make up this broken but united community to which I belong. These women are the ones who truly understand what I've experienced and how I feel. Who understand the grief in carrying your child for 9 (or perhaps less) months and then giving birth to death. Who know what its like to be wheeled out of the hospital with empty arms and your baby's going home outfit still packed away in your bag. Who drove home from the hospital with the empty car seat in the back of the car. The women who had to pack away the toys, and pack and play, and swings that never felt the warmth of their baby's body. Who have an empty nursery in their home and drawers full of precious bitty baby clothes that will never be worn by their baby. These women are who I am thankful for. The women who I can share my fears, and thoughts, and heart aches with, and who can say "I understand" and mean it.

There are the women in my support group that I get to see every month, and one friend who I get to see more often for coffee and crafting. The women in my online support group community who support me, grieve with me, and uplift me anytime I need it, day or night. The women I have met through blogging who email with me and share their stories with me. And one special friend who I get to meet in just a few weeks when she and her husband come to visit! For you all I am thankful.