Speaking at the Kentucky W.I.S.H. Luncheon

This past week, I was honored to be the special guest speaker at the Kentucky W.I.S.H. (Women Inspiring Strength and Hope) Luncheon!

When Make-A-Wish OH, KY & IN invited me to speak at the event, I asked the girls if they wanted to come – their answer was a resounding YES! They all decided they wanted to speak alongside me, and I am in continued awe of their courage to speak spontaneously from the heart in front of a crowd.

Our drive to Lexington was filled with singing, holding hands, and playing games. It had a similar vibe to that of going on an exciting trip.

Once we arrived, I immediately noticed how warm and welcoming everyone was. I told Yasmeen, “I think I found where I belong.”

You see, our journey with Soraya is very isolating for me as a mother. I feel like I can’t relate to parents who have typical children, as our experiences and daily lives are so different from theirs.

I avoid parents at every school event, sport, etc. because I cannot do surface conversations well or handle the questions about children. I can either pretend like Soraya is not in hospice, or I can be honest – and I don’t have the emotional capacity to hear the inevitable response of sadness, disbelief, or awkwardness that brings.

(As I write this, I am in the furthest corner of the bleachers at Yasmeen’s swim meet. Literally thinking that if I’m in the corner, I can avoid talking to anyone here. ESPECIALLY on Mother’s Day.)

...But at the luncheon, other mothers were coming up and accepting me even WITH knowing our journey. Whether they were MAW mothers themselves or mothers who had the capacity for me, it felt incredible.

While I’d been asked to give this talk, I received so much from the experience – community, love, feeling seen, and the reminder that maybe there IS a mama tribe for me...I just have to put myself out there so we can connect.

This Mother’s Day, I am grateful for what my children continue to teach me, and for the mothers who truly see me. ❤️