“ICU doctors entered my room. ‘Your husband is declining fast. He has a matter of a few hours.’ It was either a c-section right at that moment, or Jb would not have the opportunity to meet our son. Without a question in my mind, I said, ‘Let’s go.’ Some told me they’ll never forget this act of selflessness. Some called my actions brave and heroic. I just call it love.”
“Since I was a little girl, I’ve had a fear of abandonment, of being by myself. The universe was giving me a clear way to go face it, head-on. So, with the fear of the unknown, a broken heart still bleeding, and no plans in place—I stepped on a plane across the world.”
“I didn’t know fear, joy, worry, sadness, and excitement could all coexist.”
“You’ll look at elves and Santa’s cookie plate like they’re familiar old friends you have to say goodbye to. You’ll comb through social media photos and wonder how the cute little girl is a mere days from being an adult. You’ll wonder if you’ve still got what it takes to impress your grown-up kids with Christmas magic.”
“I can’t help but think what I’d have missed out on if I stayed afraid of being awkward.”
“To the Santa who made fun of my daughter’s flapping: my kids have waited all year to sit on your coveted lap. My little girl is seven. This might be the last year she believes in your magic. Next time you see a child like mine—consider it beautiful, not bizarre.”
“I don’t have a spare minute to slow down and enjoy it, but I don’t want to miss anything.”
“I was that rebel woman, struck down by a hard life, almost too independent and broken to be loved. I wanted to hate her because the whole mom thing failed with me growing up, so why would I want one now?”
“I know it’s not easy, especially when you’re tired and frustrated… but, it’s worth it when it works. So next time your little one starts spiraling, try plucking those grouchies away.”
“I’m just so desperate to remember every minute of your babyhood, because there won’t be another baby brother or sister in a few years.”
