by Stephanie Chavoya
There is no greater love than a mother’s love for her child. As cliche as it sounds, I have been given that love from my own mother and witness it everyday living at The Magdalene and Michael homes.
When I committed to a year of service with Maggie’s Place, I honestly did not know what to expect. I was ready to be challenged, but most importantly I was ready to open my heart, learn how to love, and live in community with individuals who all had stories to share. I never imagined how fast strangers could become a family.
Moving to Arizona was a leap of faith. I knew nobody here and was nervous to live with a bunch of strangers. But after a month or so, I began to feel comfortable with the amazing Corps, who were in the same exact boat. They became more than coworkers and friends. They became family. As the moms in the homes began to trust me and accept the “dork” that I am, it started to feel like home. I realized that if I could be my authentic self, maybe it would encourage the moms to feel comfortable and know they could trust me.
Resiliency is the first word that comes to mind when I think of every Maggie’s Place mom. Each one is resilient in her own light. From carrying a baby for nine months and giving birth, making it look so effortless, to also being vulnerable and strong, knowing she is going to do her very best to give her baby
the best life she possibly can. There is resilience in realizing being a single mother is going to be difficult, but knowing she can do it and when times get tough she will have the support of the other mommas and Corps in the home. They demonstrate the resilience to rise above their pasts and to work hard every day to stay strong and be better than the previous day. I am so in awe of each and every single mother and mother-to-be that I’ve met.
Along with resilience, these women carry love with them. The love they have for their babies is beyond beautiful. I am inspired day in and day out by the way they carry themselves to provide for their child/children. They do everything with their child in mind and I’ve been reminded of my own mother’s love given me throughout my life. Witnessing these mothers parent their little angels and giving all their love inspires me to love with a full heart. I am, and will be forever, grateful for my year at Maggie’s Place. The women of Maggie’s Place have impacted my life and I will carry these memories with me always.
“There is no love as pure, unconditional, and strong as a mother’s love.” – Christiane Northrup
