By Bekah Hamrick Martin 
For the mom who lives every day in pain. Emotional pain, physical pain, all of you tied up in knots. Trying not to wince when that little finger grasps yours. Trying not to brace when he comes in for a gentle (or not-so-gentle) hug. Stats show there are millions of us, mom, so how does it feel like we’re the only ones?
You are not alone. I see you spread out on the floor, Elmo running in the background just so you can make it through the morning. I see you counting the hours until nap time. I see you, face in the pillow, feeling like a failure because you missed one more playdate.
Some may not understand, but there are literally millions of us who do. You’re doing a great job, mom. Showing up. Being you. Pushing through the pain to help them know they matter. Moments are precious, and no one knows that more than you.
So when you can’t hold that finger a little tighter, when you can’t squeeze those shoulders a little snugger, when you can’t make it out the door to bring your kids to their friends . . . know that you’re doing the most important thing: You’re bringing your kids to yourself. And in the end, that’s what they’ll remember most.
by Erin Burkhardt 
by Stacey Philpot 
by Jen Smith 
