Love is knowing there is another person clear on the other side of the country who is so much a part of my daughter’s life that it doesn’t even matter that they don’t get to see each other as often as they would like. Ella’s Aunt Lora has been the truest friend to me for years, and even though she now lives in California, she is so involved in our everyday life. She is always interested and supportive and always goes out of her way to give me a little confidence boost in the mothering department.

Sometimes I just take for granted the fact that she’s there for me and for us (my husband and Lora are great friends too,) but often I’m just amazed by her unwavering support and love. She is genuinely interested in Ella’s every milestone and achievement. She knows as much about this baby as if she saw her weekly. Lora came home for Christmas and was finally able to meet Ella, and it was such a special visit. Instead of it being an awkward first meeting, it was just natural. Ella took to her instantly and because Lora already knew everything about her, it was a comfortable happy bond that they quickly formed.

Love is having a friend who is more like a sister that anything you have ever known before. Love is knowing that your daughter will grow up with this amazing role model-no matter where in the country she lives.