The Gratitude of Parents

Is there any gratitude more powerful than that of parents for their children?  The staff at Every Mother Counts has children ranging from babyhood through adulthood and every day, we find something new about those children to be grateful for.  Sometimes it’s for something simple like a toddler’s silly smile or when your son finally makes his first basket in the last game of the season.  Sometimes it’s for solving a major challenge like getting your baby to sleep through the night or getting the gum out of your daughter’s hair.   Sometimes, it’s for something so huge and powerful, you feel gratitude like a pain - like when your daughter gets out of surgery safely. Sometimes, gratitude is all you’ve got when the hard part of parenting stares you in the face – like when they call in tears asking for a ride home because they’ve had too much to drink and you bow your head with gratitude that they made that call because, no matter what they do, you’re grateful you have them. 

We asked a few brand new parents to share what they’re grateful for this Thanksgiving.  Their stories offer fresh reminders of when our own children delivered that special brand of gratitude at the moment of birth when we realize mother and baby are both fine. And as far as we can tell, gratitude for our children never leaves, no matter how old they are.

Katy Elliott, Online Managing Editor for Fit Pregnancy Magazine, delivered her daughter, Frances just a few weeks ago. Here’s what Katy’s grateful for:

I’m thankful for the care I received from my midwife Patricia Young, CNM at Essex County OB-GYN in Beverly, Massachusetts.  Patricia helped me deliver a healthy baby girl, Frances Elliott Williams on November 6, 2012. After 18 hours of labor including 3 ½ hours of pushing, I don’t think I could have found the strength to continue drug-free without her guidance. She allowed me to have the birth I desired by working with me one-on-one. She moved with me from different labor positions trying squatting, the tub and the birthing stool and offered support through positive feedback, “You’re a rock star!” The contractions caused moments of sheer agony, but somehow I was able to move forward hour-by-hour. She calmed my fears and doubts when everything  felt out of control and created an environment that made me feel safe.  I will be forever grateful to her for sharing with me one of the greatest experiences of my life. My wish is that every woman has access to top-notch care and support.  

Lesley and Christo Morris adopted their newborn son, Leo last spring.  Here’s what Lesley is grateful for:

When you’re getting ready for your first baby, people say, "Your life is about to change forever!" Then they get lost in favorite topics of diapers and sleep and forget to tell you what they really mean by that. Life changes because life becomes new all over again! Having a baby means falling in LOVE! Days are brighter, food tastes better, old music sounds interesting again and all because you’re sharing your baby's first contact with everything.

As a new parent, I’m more thankful than ever for my husband and that he was open to adopting. I’m lucky he takes an active role in being a Father - playing, feeding, bathing, and doctor visits. When he found out babies see black and white best, he printed dozens of patterns off the Internet. He has the patience to let me freak out when I’m just over tired, but never suggests that’s the real issue until after I've had a nap. He laughs when he realizes he was sway rocking while kissing me because he’d just put the baby to sleep. He has an endless repertoire of funny mouth noises that keep the baby and me, laughing. I’m thankful my little boy gets such an awesome Dad. I’m thankful we’re all falling in love together. 

Kristen Kirkland is part of the EMC team and delivered her second baby just a few months ago.  Here’s what she’s thankful for:

This year, I have so much to be thankful for. When I found out I was pregnant my husband and I were thrilled and confident that the "second time around" would be easier and less stressful because we knew what to expect. However, at 16 weeks pregnant, I was diagnosed with placenta previa and velamentous cord insertion. We spent the next six months worried, researching the Internet and hoping the baby would be okay. Finally, we were lucky to have a wonderful birth and a perfectly healthy baby girl.

Sometimes difficult experiences spotlight your blessings. In this stressful time, friends and family surrounded us with more love and support than we could have imagined. I’m so thankful for all of them. Our obstetricians were incredibly competent, helping us feel informed and secure and ultimately ensuring the safe birth of our daughter. We feel lucky to have such excellent health care.

Our daughter, Maya, who turned two the day before her sister was born, brings joy and laughter on even the toughest days. Our daughter, Luna, is a wonderful baby even in the wee hours. We’re thankful she arrived safely into our lives. But I’ve realized I’m possibly most thankful for my mother. My mom was a superwoman who raised five kids and made it look easy,  but she took it to a whole new level when she put her entire life on hold for six weeks to support my family in every way, showing me the true meaning of mother's love. Countless diaper changes, laundry loads, meals cooked, dishes washed, stories read and hours spent listening to me. She’s our angel, and this year, we give thanks for our many, many blessings and especially for my mom.