Medals of Honor

For mothers that left hospital empty handed - without a bundle of joy but a bundle of crushed dreams and emotions to mourn over.
Crying them selves to sleep at night - breasts gorged with milk but no tiny lips to feed.
Whose tears are triggered at the sight of tiny boots, mittens and baby scent.
Who never got the chance to feel their baby’s warmth - the firm grip of little fingers wrapped around their thumbs.

A medal of Honor for moms who’ve had to gaze at their angels through tiny glass boxes, wincing as their babies gasp for every breath - their tiny chests heaving ever so slightly.
Praying their babies would gain an ounce or two, hoping that God would hear their desperate groans, yearning for the day they would be discharged.
Traumatized by the sight of tubes running the length of their baby’s body like it was a little highway.

For mothers whose hopes and dreams fortified as they watched their kids; learn to tie their own shoe laces, read their first book, pack their cases for college.
Hearts swelling with pride at the endless chatter of what they want to be when they grow up.
For mothers whose dreams where chocked, who watched as candles were suddenly snuffed out – leaving them breathless.

For the mothers who left early, got the show on the road but were called away before the standing ovation.
You are missed and forever treasured. What the devil meant for ill, God used for good. I can almost hear “Mom I wish you were here to see me now” – “look what I have become”.

A medal of honor for children who took on mom’s role – shocked into adulthood before their time.
A medal of honor for mom’s who assumed the role of both dad and mom.

A medal for mothers who continue to walk this road; holding frail hands, feeding and cleaning their children - gracefully carrying the stigma of “the one whose child has …”. Swallowing snide remarks and sinister stares but loving their children even more.

For the moms whose children were sacrificed in the name of gods.

You are all that and more.
In Christ alone may you put your trust and walk with Him on this journey called life.