This morning, I read about Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was described as a, “precious and chosen vessel.” I was struck that in my view, all women who choose to be mothers are truly precious.

Honoring a journey of love and sacrifice

Every time I sit down to do the first ultrasound to see the baby growing in one of my patients I ask them, “How are you feeling?” The answer always includes the statement, “I am feeling tired.” I always answer jokingly, “Don’t worry, that feeling only lasts for about 40 years!”

The other day I sat across the table from a truly precious mother. She first visited me years ago and successfully started building her family with a couple healthy pregnancies through fertility treatment. She was now returning, hoping for another pregnancy from her remaining embryos.

She has such beautiful eyes! In her eyes I saw years of joy combined with years of fatigue and worry and probably even some sorrow. But most of all joy. They reflect the journey of countless mothers who navigate the complexities of family-building with grace and resilience.

She had a big smile on her face and was excited to have the blessing of bringing another child into her family. This woman is truly a “precious and chosen vessel.”

I am so grateful to have known her and so many others who have blessed my life as I have tried to bless theirs. This Mother’s Day I honor all you truly precious and chosen women out there who are who struggle to do the greatest thing I know that a person can do – be a mother.

Happy Mother’s Day!