Parenthood isn't like that.
Every single negative emotion from the four years preceding Mack's birth (frustration, depression, discouragement, bitterness, jealousy, anxiety) has been validated by the birth of our son. By that I mean, I feel perfectly justified in every single one of those emotions because...
being a parent is just as perfectly wonderful and amazing as I ever could have imagined.
Actually, it's better. I have never felt the depth of joy as I have looking at my son and watching him grow and progress. And so I have learned I was perfectly right to yearn and ache and cry over something that is just as good as I thought it would be. Does that make sense?
I write this fully aware that others struggling to conceive or bear children may read it. And honestly, I write it for them. I have been where you are, I have felt those feelings, and I just want to say...you are absolutely right to feel whatever you feel. Someday, whether in this or the next life, you will be a parent. I won't try and make you feel better by saying "it's not always that great" or "enjoy being without kids while you can!" because it doesn't help. That being said, there is always joy to be found in the moment. Let that carry you through. I promise you: this, too, shall pass, and everything you have experienced will be worth it.
So set your hopes high and imagine that blessed day, because it will be better than you ever imagined.
