“I feel like I am in the middle of everything—kids, family, friends, work, etc.,” said a 40-year-old mom in Jacksonville.   “I’m in the middle of a teenager and her younger siblings,” said another. “One minute I’m buying diapers; the next training bras.”  “I’m in the middle of a neighborhood filled with families and yet I’m all alone.” 

Lost in the shuffle of life.  Buried underneath a load of burdens cast off by others to the nearest bystander.  Surrounded by people who count on you to pull it altogether.  Moms are in the middle of everything so it’s no wonder they struggle to find their place when the people or circumstances enveloping them move away or change. 

“I feel like I’m starting to find myself, but no one is listening," said one mom.  “I’m trying to find and define myself," said another.  Both had supportive spouses and friends around the table, but each struggled with what used to define them from the outside in.  “I was always told how pretty I was,” said one woman.  “But now that I’m getting older, I know outer beauty won’t last forever (at least not without help).” 

While no one at the table had the answers, it was clear to all gathered that they were not alone in their fears and frustrations.  For once, being in the middle of many was a welcome thing.