A couple posts ago I wrote about losing my dearest love, my mother (thanks to all who shared kind words, prayers and well-wishes). What I didn't share, was that I was pregnant at the time. The prospect of welcoming a new life into the world is always a joyous occasion, but I must admit that the timing of everything added to my grief because I had really never imagined raising a child without my mother's love and guidance. Enduring such a big loss made the expectation of a new life bittersweet for me because I had to give up on the plans I had for sharing my newest family member with the one that I lost. Pregnancy also makes you extremely vulnerable, which is a very uncomfortable state for me. Everything from your skin to your emotions is more sensitive and once you begin to show, the fact that everyone you encounter knows what's happening inside your body (and proceeds to question you about it) can be a bit unsettling.

As I travel down this road that I never expected to walk, I am consoled by the support of an amazing sisterhood of friends that I have been so blessed to encounter. One of my closest friends, Cynthia Ndelo, is also a really talented photographer and motivated me to get out of my funk and get ready for a maternity shoot. Check her out if you have an upcoming wedding, event or are in need of family photos. She wanted something elegant and artistic and I tried to deliver with my style and venue choices. I am so blessed to have friends who celebrate with me in good times and dry my tears during life's storms. A wise woman once told me that while we can't control the circumstances of life, we can choose to be there for each other through it all, and I thank God for the people in my life who have chosen to be present in my time of need.