All healthy relationships are those that give evidence of hard work. Signs of growth, commitment, and trial and error are reflected in the actions of those who have gone again and again to the millstone of their relationships with others and themselves.

Friendship is hard work. Relationships are hard work. Sowing seeds is hard work. When we forge relationships with others, inside our triad and out, we are not only offering our own vulnerability but are also taking on the commitment to honor theirs.

We are called to sacrifice, listen, give, bite our tongues, and know when to speak. Often times we are the givers, and often times the recipients. The labor of creating and nurturing friendships and relationships with others is a daily wake up call to what our own needs are as women, and what we have to offer to meet the needs of others.

Often times we wonder if the hard work is noticed. Many times we feel stripped of our energies and our compassion seems far from us. Our hearts take on the emotional sorrows of others and we cannot help but to feel heavy with hurt. When we are called to understanding, sometimes we'd rather not. And yet we go on. We are the members of a unique body of rare women who have been called to a great task. Through our losses and needs, through our sacrifices and hopes, we have joined together in a commitment to honor the children for whom we do everything for.

We are interconnected, and we need one another. We are the house of a family created by love, from all sides, and for all reasons. When one of us is needy, the others must freely give. When one of us is hurting, the others must be strong. We are truly members of a body that cannot operate without all parts.

We need one another. Far beyond the physical need, we must continue to labor in our relationships so that the body of our unity together continues to grow. The treasures of our labor will be given to us seven times that which we put into them.

Within this body of women who have joined together for the love of a child, are every prayer, every hope, and every seed sown in love. Even if the birthmother or adoptive mother in your triad is far away, or if things are at a difficult place, remember that the body still exists. You are still joined. And God hears and honors the prayers of those committed to His Will. Your labors are like treasures stored up in Heaven, and even when they are far from your knowledge, God continues to count every one.