Mother’s Day

“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.”

-Rudyard Kipling

When I woke up this morning, I couldn’t help reflecting on the past few years.  Mark and I wanted children so badly that we suffered through 2 years of IVF, but nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming joy I felt when Maxwell and Riley were placed in my arms. My heart nearly exploded with love for these perfect little babies. Everything I thought mattered prior to their arrival instantly became an afterthought. Their health, happiness and well-being became my top priority.

The past two years have been full of high-highs and low-lows.  The despair and sadness of dealing with a rare neurological disease are offset by the celebration of every little milestone and not taking a moment for granted.  Twin hugs and open-mouth kisses brighten every day, and drool-covered shirts and banana-smeared jeans have become my favorite fashion statement.

I never could have imagined the path my life would take when Maxwell was given a diagnosis of SLC6A1 and no hope for a treatment. Now, in less than a year, we are well on the road to a cure for his rare neurological disease, and I have found a great fulfillment in advocating for Maxwell and other affected children. This fight and what we’re achieving has made every sleepless night worth it.

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As mothers, we all put our children’s needs ahead of our own.  We are stretched to our limits on a daily basis, but we are also fierce and full of love.  I am so thankful on this day to have been blessed with little knuckleheads like Maxwell & Riley.  I thank God every day for blessing me with these beautiful children.

Happy Mother’s Day!