Giving Thanks Day 20 ~ Bonds of Spiritual Inspiration

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” ― C.S. Lewis ♥ Today I am thankful, and truly grateful, for the beautifully ladies that I've come to know because of loss and infertility. I never knew so much love or support that would come from what started off as a Ladies in Waiting email group and evolved into a wonderful ministry of Hannah's Prayer, branching out into PAI Ministries, Family Blogs, and fun groups on Facebook. I never knew the heartache of losing a child could have ever been comforted without the help of these amazing women I've come to know through these groups. Infertility and loss have changed me in so many ways, and had I not experience them, I would have missed out on the sisterhood and friendships with all of you. The bonds we share are so very special to me...Friendships that span the test of time (and time zones), bonded in ways that are unexplainable...even though we have never met in real life (which I know one day we will), I feel so connected to you because of our struggles, our loss, the emotional roller coaster of emotions and the unconditional love, compassion and prayers that helped me to feel like I was a Phoenix rising out of the ashes. You became a surrogate family for me in so many ways as we went through years of loss and fertility issues and I treasure you all as my extended family. I am so blessed to have shared in your joys over the years, the babies born, to watch your families grow, to pray for adoptions, pray for those on bed rest, pray for our children with special needs, pray for those experiencing a loss, and pray for those who's arms are still waiting. This journey of infertility and loss has taken me to so many emotional places....and throughout it all you were my Rock. Your unwavering faith, your prayers, your testimonies, your inspiration,challenging me in ways when I needed it, your silly fun and sense of humor (VORTEX, POAS, chats that never end)....all of that and more has kept me going in more ways than you may ever know. I couldn't have asked for a greater group of women to be in my life and to be a part of my family. You've seen me through my highest highs and my lowest lows....and as time goes on, I know we will always be apart of each others lives. I am so thankful to each of you and the love you have shown me and my family over the years. I wish the circumstances that brought us all together would not have been so painful, but I have no doubt that God had our paths cross for a reason, spiritual inspiration. I don't know if I can ever thank you enough for all you do for me and my family...You are such a blessing to us, your friendship is a gift I truly treasure♥ “The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson