My first Mother's Day

It was as special as I could have hoped for. 

And yes....I got my chance to stand in church and be recognized as a mom! 

They were doing a contest to find the oldest mom in the room and Pastor Gregg almost forgot to have all the moms stand up before he started. Panic rushed over for me for a split second as I thought "Oh, sure... the ONE year that they don't do it!!" But then he remembered and I hopped up. 

I looked down at my sleeping child and then to my husband at my side and the tears began to flow. Then I looked down the aisle to see some dear sweet momma friends that were standing themselves, but looking down at me and smiling from ear to ear at the fact that I was standing with them. 

And then the flood gates opened. I was completely overwhelmed.

I have the most amazing friends and family. SO many people reached out to me on Sunday to let me know that they were thinking of me. The calls, texts, emails, Facebook messages and cards, and gifts were so incredibly humbling! It was such a joy to see just how many people were celebrating BEN with us this year!!

God blessed me beyond measure when He gave me such an incredible husband. I am so honored to be the wife of such a thoughtful and loving man. He spoiled me rotten with a beautiful Pandora bracelet and a gift certificate to have a session with one of my favorite photographers, Mackenzie Wheatley! 

And need I even mention that I have the most perfect son? I just can't imagine any other child completing our family the way that Ben does. I am so in love with that little boy. And so thankful to his birthmother for the gift that she gave to Ben.

When I thought I had reached the pinnacle of emotion for the service, he acknowledged the fact that Mother's Day is hard for some people. And in that moment, my heart broke for those women. I felt the pain of those who are still waiting for their arms to be filled. I begged God to reveal His plan to them and to give them peace. My mind was flooded with images of others like my dear, sweet friend Ashley who is waiting on her miracle still.  

And for those that have lost their mom. For many years, I have known the pain of not getting to celebrate this day with my mom. That is a void that can never be filled by anyone or any amount of years. 

I have not forgotten what it is like to be the one sitting, the one grieving, the one wishing, the one praying for things to change. 

But, this year, I am certainly celebrating the fact that I was able to stand!