Struggles

I have been thinking about the struggles we all have.
I had an epiphany with the help of a friend the other day.

She told me that I sure seem to "have it together".
(Then she said that since she knows me better, and knows the things I struggle with, she also knows I am indeed not perfect).

It made me feel good, in a strange way. Apparently, "fake it 'til you make it" works for me.

In the past year, I have learned a lot about struggles.
I have helplessly watched my own children struggle with their problems, seen my sister deal with hers, and watched my father in law in his fight for life.
It is so difficult to watch others suffer and know that there is little, if anything I can do to help.
Then I remember that is what we are here for.
To struggle.
And to learn.
And to become stronger as we go through our trials.
We learn to accept help, learn to be supportive, and be supported, even when we don't like it.
We learn that we are not alone as we struggle.
Life is good, even if it is difficult.

I recently had the opportunity to hold a sweet baby girl who was born just shy of 28 weeks.
She was 2 weeks old and 2 lbs and 8 oz at the time this photo was taken:

This little girl has had to struggle each day of her life. But she is strong and beautiful and and has an amazing mother and a loving father to help her through every day.
I am trying to be the same type of mother: supportive, loving, and involved.
But I cannot take all of my children's struggles away.
Because they need to learn from them.
I can only run by their side and cheer them on as the work toward the end of the marathon.
Then we can celebrate together.