Shiphrah is a full time mother of two. She loves all things chocolate, deep conversations, baking, and getting lost in a good book. She lives in Mumbai, India with her husband and two adorable daughters. The lockdown has rekindled her love for writing and she blogs over at her own place at www.boredandbusymama.com

This poem captures my journey of self-acceptance as an adopted child. I went through a period of deep disquiet in my heart about this fact and it manifested in shame and guilt which eventually became a contributing factor to depression. However, through the continual unconditional love received from my parents and Heavenly Father, I have overcome this and am more than grateful for this journey.

A poem by Cecilia Lubbock, in memory of her daughter Hannah-Grace. Written in response to the many interaction I had in the first year following the stillbirth of our firstborn.

Reflections on the first year of parenting. After giving birth at the end of March 2020, Rhianna and her baby left the hospital to a world totally changed. In these strange times, she had to learn how to care for a baby and cope with every new experience. She found that being a parent is the most ordinary and the most extraordinary challenge, in ways she could never have prepared herself for.