Over the years I have often participated in the Hike for Life on Mother’s Day weekend. It has been a family event, children included.
In the 1990s we hiked along the shore of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago. Yesterday my daughter reminded me of her first hike. It was the beginning of her concern for mothers and their infants. The years that we hiked together have now been passed along to the next generation.
Now my grandchildren participate in the Hike for Life. A couple years ago we all went together.
This year they will hike, and I will go visit my mother who is in a nursing home in Michigan.
All women need support during the transitions of life.
The money raised by the Hike for Life goes to pregnancy care centers. These centers provide ultrasounds, parenting classes, infant clothing and diapers. The staff at the pregnancy care center come along side a woman that needs assistance.
It is wonderful when a woman has the support of family and friends during pregnancy. Sometimes she needs another source of support. //
I am grateful, too, for organizations that help women adjust to the roles of motherhood. The Mother of Twins group meeting was my favorite evening out when I had three children under the age of three.
My daughters have benefited from MOPS (mothers of preschoolers), and I have enjoyed being a mentor mom for MOPS.
When we were in Finland I was happily surprised to learn that the parents of young children ride the buses in Helsinki for free.
Flowers and cards for mothers are nice, tangible help is better. Perhaps, there is someone that you can encourage.
Today I am joining the Five Minute Friday community. Our one word prompt is: INCLUDE
Those life transitions are hard!