Maybe, Momma

Maybe she never expected to bring a child into the world; never dreamed about having a baby suckle at her breast, and never imagined she'd be holding sticky peanut-butter covered hands. Rocking a child back to sleep in the middle of the night for the hundredth time wasn’t something she prayed for. Being tied down to a child wasn’t exactly in her plans, but the plan was never hers to begin with.

Maybe she’s tried for years to become pregnant; she yearns for the feel of that flutter in her belly. She prays to God everyday that He let her be a mom. Sometimes the guilt of her barren womb feels unbearable, but He won't forsake her.

Maybe she never gave it a whole lot of thought; perhaps life just happened, and she woke up one morning, the mother of teenagers who were planning their escape from her nest. One minute she was watching them learn to crawl, the next she’s watching their taillights as they head to college, tears in her eyes and heart bursting with pride. She worries if she’s done enough to prepare them for what is to come. She's done the best she could, and knows deep in her heart they will be fine.

Maybe she didn’t give birth to them, but those babies that call her "gramma" have made her world complete. She never knew the love of a child could get any better, but it is here, in one of life's greatest promotions, that she gets to really appreciate all the little moments.

From the minute she hears the first heartbeat, until she takes her last breath, she will forever be a mom. It doesn't matter how, or where, or how many mistakes she makes along the way, she is exactly the caregiver God created her to be. No matter how hard the road gets, she is so grateful the journey through motherhood never really ends.

To all the mommas out there, you are so loved. Thank you for being the pillars we all lean on, the wind beneath our wings, and the love in our hearts. You fill the world with love, grace, and hope.

May your Mother's Day be exceptionally blessed this year.

❤️ Richelle