Tomorrow is my first day back at work from my maternity leave and I thought about all the people who have contributed to my life over the past year.  I was very fortunate throughout my pregnancy to be blessed with so many family and friends that wanted to help out or simply were there to share in the excitement.  I was also blessed with amazing neighbours who were always looking out for me and offering their help.  Whether it was food, a phone call or a gift for my daughter, it seemed as though there was always someone there to lend a helping hand or to just acknowledge this part of my life.  I was surrounded by a beautiful network of women who had experienced the ups and downs of parenting.  Sometimes, help and kindness came from the most unexpected of places and other times the people I thought would be the most supportive were just not.  Some of those people seemed to bolt like lightening the minute that baby came around or spoke empty promises.  But this is not the time or the venue to focus on that, but simply my time to say thank you for those that were there for me.  I may have had little words to express my gratitude in the moment but know that I sincerely admire and appreciate the community of mothers and fathers that reached out to me. I wish to impart with you to think of this the next time you know someone who is having a baby.  How can you reach out to them and make them feel supported?  Perhaps, it may be with a simple sign of affection, a phone call to check on the person’s emotional state, or an offering.  Whatever you may decide on, know that there is someone out there that will recognize your positive sense of community.

Photo credit given to: http://wildgoddesslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/women_holding_hands.jpg