PO BOX 294 Cranford NJ 07016 [email protected]

The Spirit of the Mothers’ Center of Central NJ

One of the wonderful offerings of the Mothers’ Center is the meal train for new moms or moms going through a difficult time. I have always participated in the meal trains as a way to support other mothers of the Center. Just recently, as my husband and I welcomed the birth of our daughter, we were the grateful recipients of those meals.

I am immensely grateful for all the moms who brought us dinner. And I am equally grateful for the adult conversation, flowers, words of encouragement, wisdom and sympathetic ears that came with those delicious meals. The Mothers’ Center brings together moms from different towns and backgrounds who care about each other, especially as we go through one of life’s most difficult – and joyous – transitions. The simple texts and emails I received while awaiting my daughter’s arrival – hi, how are you, do you want me to watch your firstborn, do you want me to get you anything from the store, hang in there – meant the world to me. After our daughter’s arrival,the emails and texts continued and it made the isolation that comes with the first couple of weeks of a newborn so much easier to bear.

The past three years have brought many changes in my life, first as my husband and I welcomed our son and, now most recently, our daughter. I went from being a career-focused young professional to a new mom trying to find a balance between my career and motherhood. There is no handbook or instructional manual for this, but the connections and experiences I gained through the Mothers’ Center have helped me to write my own – and for this, I am forever thankful.

Join me in a special Thanksgiving event

As the holiday approaches, I invite you to give special thanks to one or more of the special moms who inspire you and have made a difference in your life. Post your appreciation on your Facebook wall, using #MCCNJthanksmoms, and tag Mothers’ Center of Central NJ. Taking a few minutes to post your Thanksgiving “attitude of gratitude” will create a loving and joyous start to the holidays for the special moms in your life—and you!

Here is my video of appreciation.

– HaVi J,  MCCNJ member