Jenny On the Spot

Thursday was a day if significance. It was my last day at MOPS as a discussion group leader. I have done it for 2 years at the MOPS group in Poulsbo. It has been a wonderful experience, and it has been a tough road at times. The first year was stressful because I walked in knowing almost no one, and volunteered to lead a table. It stretched me and grew me.

This year was hard for much bigger reasons. I had 6 moms at my table (plus me and one “mentor mom”). Coming in, 3 gals were pregnant. All have their babies now, but that’s not it.
–1 mom had her baby under stress of gestational diabebtes, terrible kidney problems (major surgery) and her husband works a whole bunch. I was able to throw a baby shower for her. She works hard to be strong, though I know she is hurting very much (both physically and emotionally. She has a tender heart, and is a very good mom, despite the obstacles she faces. Though pain is high, she works had to give energy to her kids.
–1 mom had her baby. Things are pretty stable for her - and that is so awesome! I was not able to pull a shower together for her, and I feel bad about that. She is strong and confident.
– 1 mom had her baby this spring. Madeline was born April 7th and has already had heart surgery. She is still in the hospital and she has been away from her other 2 kids for 7 weeks now. She loves God and you can see His strength and light in her.
–1 mom had her big mountain last year - divorce. She was the crafts leader for MOPS, I am amazed at her strength and her ability to persevere. She is NOT the bitter divored woman, she glows with the joy I know came from God.
– 1 mom is a busy woman with much on her plate. She took on the responsibiliy of working on the childrens program for MOPS. God needs to bless this woman! The time away we get from our kids at MOPS is so important for our sanity, we wouldn\’t have MOPS without her hard work. She\’s a strong woman too. she is my work-out buddy!
– 1 mom is recently pregnant and found out she has pulmonary hypertension - which seems to be a very serious thing. This is a new hurdle. She is afraid. She is a generous woman who has to start saying “no”, which is hard for her.

A common thread is all these women are very strong. I think that is a common trait in mothers. Out of just 6 women, there are so many needs and hurts. It’s been hard knowing how to help, if to help — it’s been hard to offer to help. There are lots of needs and very little time and energy. If I didn’t need sleep… The year is through, but the relationships are still there. The burdens, struggles, stresses are still there too. Bonds have been made, hugs have been given, tears have been shared… we are women, we are mothers.