This was just going to be a Facebook post, but then I realized it would be a really long Facebook post. And, really, it was meant to be a blog post. It all started with all the kindergarten postings. Those kindergarten postings make you start thinking about how far you’ve come.
This year is different. I have a kid going to kindergarten and it means that I have a bunch of friends whose kids are going too. When I looked at the many postings of the first day, I sat back and said thank you. I also cried because I knew how much this day meant. Most of these postings are from friends I have made along the motherhood path.
From infertility support groups to birthing classes to my first mothers group, all of the women in my Facebook feed have been a part of the tribe. We compared breastfeeding notes, commiserated over nap transitions and discussed childcare options. We didn’t always agree, but we gave each other ideas. None of us knew what were doing-and we still don’t. Heck, I just learned yesterday that you can trade the toy in at Chick-Fil-A for an ice cream cone.
Seriously, some of the women I have never met in person. Some we worked together briefly. Some we still get together when we can-which gets harder every year with the increasing activity schedules. Yet, I love reading their posts every single day because I understand that motherhood is complicated. You may love your child one minute and want to send them away the next.
For some, we never thought we would have a child. Every September I would walk the dog past the local elementary school and cry — cry for the child I didn’t have and thought I would never have. For at least a dozen of my friends on Facebook, I know they had those same thoughts. Look at us now, we have kindergarteners! And, in some twist of fate, my OB joined a new medical group and I was reminded of the many futile appointments that I once had.
It took us four years to have our first child. Now that we are in the thick of parenting I forget about those days. Mainly because I don’t have time, but also it doesn’t matter. If you want to be a parent, there are so many ways today to achieve it–fostering, adoption, egg donor, IVF. In my Facebook feed every one of those is represented.
For all of you gals who I’ve met along the way, thank you. Thank you for the kindness, the inspiration and for being the amazing women you are. I’m so glad we are traveling this road together. I wouldn’t have it made it this far without you.
P.S. This post is especially dedicated to one special friend, and she’ll know why just from the title.
P.P.S. Now to really make her cry..
Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what’s on the other side
Rainbows are visions
But only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we’ve been told
And some choose to believe it
And I know they’re wrong, wait and see
Some day we’ll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me
And who said that every wish
Would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star
And somebody thought of that
And someone believed it
And look what it’s done so far
What’s so amazing
That keeps us stargazing
And what do we think we might see
And someday we’ll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me
All of us under its spell
We know that it’s probably magic
Have you been half asleep?
And have you heard voices?
And I’ve heard them calling my name
This is the sweet sound
That called the young sailors?
The voice might be one in the same
And I’ve heard it too many times to ignore it
It’s something that I’m supposed to be
Someday we’ll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
La da da di da da dum da
Someday we’ll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
La da da di da da dum da
Duh da da di dum di da ohhh
Published by
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Walt Disney Music Company, Universal Music Publishing Group
Marketing Mixology 