A Letter to the 'Medical Mamas' of the World

Dear Medical Mamas,

I see you — yes, you.

I get you. I am a Medical Mama too. I share the same concerns and stresses like you, every day. I worry about the future as much as you do.

I worry about how my child will be treated as he gets older, just as much as you do. I worry whether he will ever call me by my second name, “Mommy,” just as much as you do.

Along with the worry, I feel as lonely as you do. I have lost friends since the birth of our warrior. While it’s painful, I guess I can’t blame them. What do you say to a mom of a child with a disability?

Yet, I can’t help but feel hurt.

I hear the awkward silence when I tell strangers how old my child is, just as much as you do.

I feel the stares, just as much as you do.

I hear the questions forming in their heads before they even utter a word, just as much as you do.

So to the Medical Mama who feels lonely, I get you. I may be on the other side of the world, but I am here for you.

I am here for you when you need a shoulder to cry on. I am here for you when need to kick or scream.

I am your confidant. I am in your corner.

The biggest thing I have learned by being a Medical Mama is that I have wonderful and special friends, just like you.

So please, remember this: you are not alone. We’re in this together.