The 'Hood

When Andria was pregnant with Dellaina she made a comment to me about becoming a member of the secret Sisterhood of Mommies. I had never really thought about it before then but she was absolutely right. There is a secret club of the women who have experienced the ups and downs of pregnancy. A mutual appreciation for our comrades who have fought the fight of childbirth. And a hard-as-steel bond between women who have raised or are raising children.

I suppose you don't know about it (or care, really) until you are issued your invitation. A trip to the grocery store, to the well trained eye, will explain it all. Pregnant women and those with children in tow get looks from other mothers where a girl by herself, no kids or baby bump, wouldn't. Looks of excitement or pity (depending on your pregnant-ness or behavior of your children) and often looks reminiscence from the woman whose children are grown. Blink and you will miss the faint smile or slight head nod that one mother will give another in quiet understanding.

This Sisterhood doesn't exist to be exclusive, but that's just how it is. Nor does it exist to put down those who don't meet the criteria of membership. The Sisterhood is there to offer advice to the new mother, support to mother who loses a child (who else can understand the endless love of a mother but one?) and to honor the mothers who came before us.

As a card carrying member of the Sisterhood of Mommies, I would like to extend an invitation of membership to my own sister. She finally meets the criteria!

Congratulations!