A Beautiful Community

Since the time of Gabe's diagnosis we have been blessed to participate in an amazing community of families from West Michigan who are also living with Spina Bifida.  At first the group served as reference desk for my many questions about "What to Expect When Everything is the Unexpected."  Very quickly these caring and giving women became some of my closest friends.  There is something very comforting about being in the company of people who "get it."

In the past 2 years {that 2 thing...not quite ready to talk much about it ;)} I have also appreciated getting to know many amazing women from my own neighborhood, preschool, church groups, etc. who are parenting children with special needs.  In our conversations these moms are impressed by, and somewhat envious of, the community of support we have established in West MI, for families dealing with SB.  Two of my "mentor moms" {I use the term loosely since they are younger than I am} have often suggested trying to create opportunities to connect moms - who may otherwise feel like they are alone in their parenting journey - for conversation, advise, support, giggles, and encouragement.

I am so excited to have recently been given an opportunity and an outlet for bringing Holland moms together!  Working with Jenny, the heart behind Moms in Tow, we will be reaching out to bring moms together.  Our goal will be to plan at least two opportunities a month for families raising children with special needs to get to know one another.  It is our hope, within this large group  support system, small groups of families with similar diagnosis will be able to build special relationships.

Our first get together will be a play date at Christ Memorial Church's indoor playground on Monday, September 17th from 10:30-11:30 AM.  It will be a very casual chance for us to visit while the kids play.  We are looking forward to hearing from families who come about what types of events/support they would like to see in our community.  If you are interested, please know that you do not need to be a Moms in Tow member to participate.  However, the events will always be posted on their main page activity calendar!  You will also find information about these, and many other wonderful events on the  Moms in Tow facebook page.

To see the invitation and/or RVSP ( rsvp is not necessary) click HERE!

The Great Gabe Escape

We are looking forward to celebrating friendship, hope, progress, generosity…

{love}

{support}

{and baby gabe}

…at tonight’s Great Gabe Escape!

BFFs

Born just days apart.  They may not recognize it yet, but these two cuties are destined to be besties.  They have another adorable buddy who blazes trails ahead of them by a few months.  I like them.  Our babies.

{Kelly and I joke about how we too were destined to meet eventually.  Our lives before September ‘11 crossed many paths.  Now our redirected flights are on a similar course.}

Collectively, “I like us too.”  These amazing mommas, our collaboration and conversations are a significant source of comfort on this new journey. Where ever it leads us (wink)!

New Associations

In the past I've met with friends where I was defined as teacher, Hope College alumni, mom of a preschooler, Christian woman, city newcomer, and more. These pieces are, and will continue to be, part of me. 

Last night I met with an amazing new group of women, giving me a new association - spina bifida moms.

I will admit that joining these ladies took a lot of courage. I had, and continue to have, so many questions about what life is going to look life for us and for Gabe. Hearing much of what these moms are dealing with, as well as their perspective on day to day life, was inspirational. Yet, it was frightening.

Today my head is bursting with new information, new questions, new to dos, and new hope for our new journey.