True Friends

There is something amazing about the bond you can form with people miles away you have never met or the people who sit next to you day after day cheering their child on in the same way you do. These people are the ones who understand the heartache, the stress, the pure enjoyment of life, and who truly treasure each and every small thing in life as a great accomplishment.

The friendships I have made over the past year since Maelee began therapy has been so wonderful. I have met some great people while sitting in the waiting room of therapy, online on prematurity boards, and recently have come across people who have been sent my way by other acquaintances! The bond we share is something I can't describe, it's like I have known them forever. Their children mean so much to me, their stories matter, and when no one else is there these are the people I can turn to.

I got to a point where I questioned many friendships during the past 18 months of our lives. I have friends who have gone and some who have backed away. I have been told I spend too much time talking about Maelee or that "Wouldn't you rather her just be a kid than spend hours in therapy?". These are the people who don't get it, the ones who can't have empathy for a situation that isn't in their "perfect, rose covered world". These are the people I strive to change but no that I can not. Weather they are family, friends, or acquaintances they will never understand what our family has and continues to go through. They will not be able to fathom heartbreak, fear, stress, anxiety, and every other emotion we have felt. They will never be able to wrap their minds around why we do what we do. And they will never know Maelee in a way that we know her. In order to know someone you have to know all of them, these are the people who close off the conversation and pretend their "perfect" world is all that exists. These are the people who will never know my child in the greatest way possible.

But the people who write emails, send cards, or just text know my life in a way no one else. Want to know my child, and would do anything for my family if we needed it. I truly believe God brings people into your life at the right time and his timing has been PERFECT over the past 18 months! I hope to one day meet so many of these precious families in person, spend time hugging those sweet babies, and allow Maelee to meet her "friends from afar"! One day we will be making a trip to many states and places to meet people who have inspired us, been there for us, and who now "know" us like many never will.

Creating a bond with someone is special, creating a bond with someone who understands your heart is amazing! :)