By Paint Her in Color Founder, Laura Spiegel

This past week, my family took a trip to Northern Michigan. On our last day, we went for a scenic drive and experienced one of the best moments of the entire week: watching a mama doe shepherd her four young deer across the street and into safety.

The protectiveness of that mama escaped no one. Even my son, who until seconds before was bemoaning his Nintendo hiatus, noticed. “Look at how she’s staring at us,” he breathed. It was true. The doe seemed to stare into our souls as she silently willed our car to stop. She then kept watch until each of her babies had safely scaled the opposite bank. Only then did she turn and follow.

Protecting. Guiding. Loving.

All of us mamas of kiddos with special health care needs can relate. Because that’s what we do each and every day. Papas too, but in celebration of the doe, this one is a toast to all the mamas out there.

*****

We are the lullaby singers.

The boo boo kissers.

The protectors against harm, imagined or real.

We are the question askers.

The advocates.

The smilers through triumph and tears.

We are the rainbow seekers.

The ladybug catchers.

The ones who hug just right.

We are the game players.

The bubble blowers.

The reluctant holders for labs.

We are the prayer leaders.

The dare takers.

The dispenser of pills and shots.

We are the hopers.

The dreamers.

The never-give-uppers.

We are the candle counters.

The celebrators.

The coach and the cheerleader in one.

We love fiercely and unconditionally.

We laugh, cry, and sing like there’s no tomorrow.

We hold each other up and celebrate the wonders we are given each day.

We are the mamas.

*****

I am proud to be a mama to two brave kiddos, one of whom has cystic fibrosis. And I am proud to be part of this community of mamas who inspire me to be more every day.

Cheers to you all!