Do I have enough diapers? What formula is best? How many newborn sleepers do I really need? These are all normal questions asked by first-time moms every year. Last year, however, new questions surfaced. Will I have to give birth alone in the hospital? Can I hold my baby? Is it possible to stay safe from COVID-19?
I’m sure you asked yourself all of these questions and more while you and my son prepared to welcome your first baby into the world at the end of March 2020. As the due date approached, hospitals changed rules daily when information about the new pandemic became available. In anticipation of the birth, and in spite of uncertainty, you held on to your joy and excitement. I, on the other hand, struggled with worry. Thankfully, while holding my position in the hospital parking lot, I received the wave and phone call announcing the arrival of my first grandchild. Even with your extended family not allowed in the hospital, you didn’t complain.
An hour after the birth, things began to change. Baby Cooper was taken to the NICU with heart problems, where he remained for a week. My heart broke that you were not able to be with Cooper for those days immediately following the birth. When the two of you were finally cleared to leave the hospital, my heart broke again when I thought about the new reality of COVID restrictions and quarantines awaiting your arrival home. At a time when most new moms want their own mothers around for support, you found yourself treading the waters of early motherhood mostly on your own. Through FaceTime tutorials, phone updates and texted photos galore, you managed to keep all of us in the loop and connected. And through it all, you didn’t complain.
In July, things began to change yet again. Cooper started having episodes that were eventually identified as seizures. He was soon diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, a rare disease that causes non-cancerous tumors to grow in the major organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and eyes. It turned out that Cooper’s seizures were being caused by a brain tumor. Since July, you have been busy accompanying Cooper in and out of hospitals and doctors’ offices seeking answers. And still, you don’t complain.
In spite of your initial shock, you have grown into an amazing mother — sharing Cooper with us and relaying his most recent stories, all the while being fully present and ready for whatever comes next. Caring for Cooper, you and my son have solidified into a formidable team. Remarkably, in light of your challenges, today I hear resounding laughter and lightness coming from the home the three of you have created.
We recently celebrated Cooper’s first birthday, and you continue to impress me. The future is not certain, COVID lingers on and Cooper’s health will never be taken for granted. Yet transcending it all, you mother, you love and you never complain.
Mothering takes a village.To celebrate these women, we held our first-ever “Portraits of Mom,” a digital campaign centered on local mamas. Starting in March, we asked you to send us pictures of the moms in your lives, share your personal experiences and tell us what mom means to you. View this campaign and submit photos of you and your mom at SouthlakeStyle.com/Contests-Promotions/Portraits-of-Mom.