To help a friend

I received two wonderful emails this evening. One was from my friend Shelley. She recently had a baby and thanked me for the little doll and visiting her in the hospital. She also thanked me for something I didn't even realize I had done. As she was trying to breast feed the baby, I was chatting with her grandmother and her cousin. She was having difficulty at the time and therefore, b/fing became our topic of conversation. I said that I tried and realized that bottlefeeding was "the best choice for our family". In her email she said, "I have to tell you, Joanne, that has played in my mind since you said it...the fact that you weren't appoligizing for it gave me some strength in my decision. I'm trying to get to the point where I can say just what you said & leave it at that, instead of feeling like I have to make a million excuses. " What a wonderful feeling that I could help another mother. Especially after the guilt trip I went through when I was not successful with Darrelyn. Who needs guilt on top of post-partum hormones? If b/fing works for you then great! Its best for the baby, cheaper and more convenient. But if it doesn't work for you, you have to do what is best for you and your family. A depressed/stressed mother is not good for any family.

The second email thank you was from my friend Sarah. Yesterday, her van siezed up just after her and her two children got the groceries. Oh and she's due in about 2 weeks. She gave me a call and the girls and I were there within 10 minutes. I took her kids and her groceries while she stayed with the van waiting for the tow truck. Oh and did I mention that 4 firemen were there waiting with her... I know the real reason she wanted to stay behind ;)

Anyway, I put her groceries in my fridge so they wouldn't go bad. Got gas, picked up Gary from work and then picked her up. Got the groceries from my house and brought her and her children home. (there is a longer version of this story, but I'll save that one for another post)

I must admit, when I help a friend in need, its almost a selfish act for me. I get this great feeling knowing that I could help someone. I love to feel needed. Perhaps that's why I enjoy being a SAHM.