I want to say thank you to all the mamas with empty, longing arms genuinely congratulating those of us with our arms filled with brand new babies. Because I know what it’s like to lose the precious blessing of new life growing inside of you while simultaneously watching others cradle brand new little lives in their arms.

It’s beautiful the way you give love out of your own grief. But I know it’s painful too, and that makes your heartfelt congratulations all the more meaningful.

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When you tell me you’re so happy for me and you admire all my newborns’ perfect features, you are unknowingly reminding me of the sacredness of this life I had the privilege of growing for nine months. You are reminding me of the pricelessness of this gift entrusted to me. You are selflessly and unintentionally reminding me of the treasure you lost and causing me to value this little life even more deeply.

The love you had for your little one is evident in the way you pour out love over mine.

I know firsthand that when we lose something so indescribably precious, we have the choice to either fill the void with more bitterness and pain or allow God to fill the void with deeper love. We can choose to let God transform our mourning into the type of joy that can only come out of suffering. I marvel by the way you do that, but I know your heart still aches.

I hope you know that the way you let Jesus’ light sparkle through your tears is a beautiful gift to the world. And I pray that even if you never get the rainbow you long for, you will cling to the promise that He is close to the brokenhearted and that the joy of the Lord will be your strength.

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I pray your arms are full one day, but in the meantime, know that your love and kindness given out of emptiness is filling many hearts and reminding us of the priceless value of the treasures we are cradling. And your treasured little ones live on in all the love you pour out on ours.