Dear "Hopie,"
It has been such a wonderful, amazing experience to watch your journey to motherhood. When we first spoke over the phone about you taking on a part-time caregiver role for Jude and Harvey (in 2013 was it? Harvey was just 4 months old), you apologized for not being able to start right at 8am that first day, because you were seeing a fertility specialist. I have been praying for this day for you since that phone call, and here it is.
When I told Jared I had finally found childcare, he asked what I knew about you, this stranger coming into our home, and I told him you had an inner light that shined bright and strong, and that was all I needed.
My kids fell in love with you almost instantly, and your grace was a calming presence in our home. Thank you for loving my children. I say that knowing you now know, truly know, what it means to be apart from your baby for even just a few seconds, let alone a whole work day. I always felt comforted knowing they were with you. And the testament to your love in grace is that my children still ask for mommy, daddy, and you when they are upset.
I was so honored when you asked me to document your delivery, and when you look at these photos, I hope you will sometimes think about the smiles of the two little boys whose lives you shaped before you started you own family. I am forever indebted to you.
From one mother to another,
Lauren
