today i met up with a childhood friend. it had been many years since we last spoke. as we ate lunch, she spoke of her career. when it was my turn to talk about what i do each day, i felt the need to downplay my accomplishments with “justs”. i spoke of how my days are filled with JUST taking care of four kids and JUST taking photos of them and JUST writing about our family life. she wasn’t judging me one bit. so, why was i? after lunch we hugged goodbye and i rushed home to nurse you. later as i changed your clothes, i paused to take you in and reflect. i reminded myself that it was i that made sacrifice after sacrifice to give you life. it was i that worked so hard day and night to put those rolls on your arms. and that little smile that i see on your face is JUST for me.
