“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”—Kahlil GibranI've known Lena (she goes by Helena now, but I still call her Lena) since elementary school. We have known each other for over 30 years! Instead of growing apart as the years have past, we have grown together.
We've shared a lifetime of experiences. We've traveled in China, Mongolia, Japan and Korea together. She was in my wedding in South Korea. We've shared all of our secrets and even though we may be doing different things with our lives, we always support each other and encourage each other to live a full life and follow our dreams.
Today we had a small gathering of friends at my house to celebrate the fact that she is going to have a baby.
But this was no ordinary baby shower.
My best friend is having a baby for a friend who cannot. She is a surrogate mother. It wasn't easy for me at first to understand this beautiful and selfless gift she is giving to a family who longs for a child but is unable to do so on their own.
She is giving the gift of life and I don't know many people who would do that for a friend. In fact, I don't know anyone.
So even though my initial reaction might have been surprise and shock and a need to protect my dear friend, seeing and understanding more about what she is doing makes me so proud of her.
She is doing this because she has gotten so much from her beautiful twins and wants her friend to be able to experience that joy too!
Today we offered blessings to the child. I wrote a poem and shared a few quotes. We offered beads for a necklace, lit candles, danced and created art together. Everyone brought a dish and we shared a meal together.
I feel very proud and honored to be a friend of Lena's. I was happy to have this small, intimate gathering of friends at my house. I know this baby is already blessed because my dear friend is carrying him.
She is also a precious light and gift in my life.
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| Helena and I at my book launch party one year ago. |
that statement is so profound - think how the world would be different if we realized how much giving of ourselves affects another. your friend is giving the greatest gift of all - goddess bless her.
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