this time of year

Once there were 2 mothers and it was this time of year.

For one mother this time of year everything is in bloom, the green grass grows so quickly.   The days are longer.  The iris' just finished blooming while the roses show their color and the lilies are ready to show themselves soon.   The robins are busy feeding their nest full of babies.   It is this time of year that she was carrying her first born, Judson.  She remembers this time of year so well precisely because she was on the verge of motherhood...and then became a mother on July 1st, 2001.

It is this time of year for a mother in Ethiopia.  For her this time of year is not marked on a calendar by a month, day of the week or even year.  For her this time of year is marked by the crops growing.  This time of year is marked by the wet weather as they enter the rainy season.  The dirt roads under her feet may be muddy and slick.  She may not have the date, but she may look around and see this time of year and remember.   It was this time of year 2 years ago that she brought our daughter into the world.   This child was given a birth date of July 1st, 2009.

It is this time of year that these 2 mothers were both on a journey of motherhood.

It is this time of year that 2 children were on their journey to each of us, 8 years between them.

It is this time of year that one mother grieves for the other's loss, and wonders and wishes and hopes....

It is this time of year that one mother is forever grateful.

Forever grateful for the beautiful life brought into the world.

Forever grateful for God uniting our lives together forever.

It is this time of year, and beyond, that these 2 mothers will be forever connected through the thread of life, love and motherhood.  It is this time of year.