I want to share a profound chapter from my life—the experience of giving birth to my youngest daughter while my partner was deployed. Like any mother, I navigate the highs and lows of parenting. There are days filled with joy and others that test my patience, where my sanity often hinges on the strength of my coffee and the engaging shows on PBS.
As a mom of girls, I find myself fully immersed in their world. We embark on adventures together, exploring the aisles of Target and beyond. They are my constant companions, and I realize they observe and learn from me every moment. My greatest wish for them is to understand that, regardless of life’s challenges, they are always ENOUGH. Even when they feel overwhelmed and like they might sink, I want them to know I have learned that we are all enough.
The Unique Arrival of My Newest Daughter
So, what made the arrival of my newest daughter unique? The lesson hidden in this blessing was the feeling of isolation. My partner was 6,000 miles away, and the connection we shared was riddled with poor phone service. The moment I held our baby girl close, I felt an overwhelming mix of joy and longing. I wanted so desperately for my partner to experience this moment with us—to see her, to feel her, to bond with her. But he couldn’t be there.
When I returned home from the hospital, life quickly took on a chaotic rhythm. I found myself grocery shopping with a 5-year-old, a 2-year-old, and a 5-day-old baby—all by myself. I pulled countless all-nighters, managed bath times, bedtime routines, playdates, and even potty training—all alone. Days, weeks, and months passed, filled with responsibilities and precious moments I wished I could share. Yet through it all, I came to realize that I was enough.
A Journey of Sacrifice
This journey is one of sacrifice. My partner gives up his time and freedom to protect ours, and while you may see him in his uniform and express gratitude for his service, the true cost is often hidden. He sacrifices significant moments with his family, including the chance to meet our baby in person and support his struggling wife at home.
This narrative is shared by many families facing similar circumstances. We don’t broadcast our struggles; instead, we navigate them quietly, holding on until our loved ones return. Even in moments when it feels like we are drowning, we manage to stay afloat because we are ENOUGH.
Resources for Family Planning
For those considering starting a family, this topic can be overwhelming. You might find valuable insights in resources like Treating Infertility, and for alternative family-building methods, check out this couple’s inspiring journey as well as this at-home insemination kit.
Conclusion
In summary, the experience of my partner’s deployment during our daughter’s birth taught me about resilience and the strength found in solitude. Despite the challenges, I have learned that we are enough.