The Bond

It isn't something you see. It's something you feel. It isn't something you're entitled to, it's something you cultivate, hope for, nurture. It's as unspoken as a look, as fierce as a roar, as unbreakable as steel and as eternal as heaven itself.

What is it?

It's the bond between mother and child and there's nothing else like it on earth. I've been reminded of that sweet, invisible, powerful connection this week as my beautiful daughter Ashley brought a strong son into the world just a few days ago. Throughout Ashley's pregnancy, she and I have talked every day. Sometimes it's about nothing at all. Other days, it's about the challenges of motherhood and the excitement around a new baby's arrival.

In every conversation, we laugh. And I am reminded that this extraordinary woman—my daughter—has become my dearest friend. This daughter who I fought for and prayed over and cried with during those tumultuous teenage years. I didn't know that our bond was being forged link by link back then, but here we are, women and mothers together, sisters in a way. And this week, a new link in the chain was added with the arrival of baby Jason.

Ashley's labor was long and difficult—nearly 13 hours of unrelenting pain. I went to the hospital with her and her husband, and even into the wee hours of the morning, I felt so blessed to be there to talk, to cheer, to comfort. Her husband needed to check in at home (they have three other small children), and I just wanted to stay by her side. What a gift to be her mom and to be able to serve her in her time of need. When her beautiful son was born, my heart nearly broke with true, perfect joy—at 6 pounds, 14 ounces and 19 inches, this baby has added a new link to strengthen the bond.

And I am reminded that this bond is not a long straight cord, but a loop, encircling around us and those we love. It draws us together, pulls us close, in a divine embrace that began with Heavenly Father himself for His children to share and return to Him, together, one day.