Words of Hope

This Thanksgiving I have much to be thankful for. There have been so many people that have written me with words of hope and praise that I want to share them with you. I am going to leave out their names to keep it anonymous but the response has been overwhelming for me. I cannot begin to thank everyone for standing by me during this difficult time. Hopefully this will be as emotional for you as it is for me everyday. Then again it could be the hormones....

"there are so many friends from whom this would have been the scariest email in the world, but i can't even begin to tell you how much I think you will be the most amazing mother, and that I have every confidence that you are as prepared now to do so as you would be in ten years. I am so goddamn proud of you for making this decision, and I'm so excited to see a pregnant belly, and (in a few months) a beautiful baby boy. I've watched two sisters navigate motherhood with tremendous success, and I've watched the way it has changed their lives in the most amazing and extraordinary ways. I have no doubt that it will do the same for you (although you're pretty amazing and extraordinary as you are). Again, I think you are making such a strong and self-less and brave decision, and also one that will bring a tremendous amount of joy into your life."

"I am so happy for you. If someone asked me, of everyone I've known, who could handle this? Undoubtedly, unhesitatingly, I would say you. I think motherhood can only make you an even more amazing and capable woman than I already think you are."

"We are all exactly where we are supposed to be in God's plan for us. At age 71, I can look back and see that out of every difficult and discouraging time in my life (and like all others, there have been many) something good came from it.. It's very difficult to muster up the faith in this truth, but I feel blessed for every part of my life..good and bad. It's all been a valuable learning experience."

"Having our son was the best thing I've ever done in my life - and he continues to be the biggest source of joy and pride I have - so get ready for a crazy ride, but a wonderful one. All my love to you and your eensy one."

"i know this will probably be one of the hardest things you'll ever have to go through, but i know you can do it Kate. you are such a strong, independent woman & i know you know that. & you will always have a support group/fan club of your family & friends that includes me, of course :)"

"Whenever I go through something difficult, I always tell myself...I am not the only person that has gone through this, there are plenty of other people who have gone through it and end up totally happy in the end. The reason they end up happy is because they chose to take control of their lives and their lives alone. Whatever decision you make about this child, make the best decision for you and your body. Make the choice to be happy no matter what, regardless of how crappy it feels now. You WILL get through this, there is no question in my mind. This is going to be a long road Kate, and you are going to need to hold onto who you are and who you always have been. The strong, brave, smart, funny, happy, beautiful woman you are. There are going to be bumps like this and you just need to get over them. You have me, and I am sure everyone else, behind you every step of the way."

Thank you so much everyone for being my backbone and filling my life with affirmations that I can do this. I can't even begin to tell you how your love and support has made my burden a little lighter and gets me from day to day when the world gets hard. I can only hope that my little bean has a support system as plentiful and strong as my own. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you. I would be truly lost without all of you.