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I continue my series on support networks. During my pregnancy and especially the hospital stay, two of my old friends were really there for me.

I had been friends with Jeni and Hilary for years. Jeni and I went way back to high school. There were days in high school that we were inseparable. Then we ended up living a few blocks apart. We got interested in politics and attended a few rallies and town meetings together. Jeni got pregnant with her daughter and I was there at the hospital with her while she was in labor. When her daughter was born with a few complications and had to go straight to the NICU, I went in with Jen’s husband and was one of the first people to see her daughter.

Hilary and I met in college and instantly became close friends. We were complete opposites so it was an interesting friendship but we just hit it off and the differences didn’t matter. Her family was hours away so on the weekends we needed a break from college but she didn’t want to drive all the way home; we’d go stay with my parents.

Hilary was back home when I found out I was pregnant and I called her immediately and told her. She was supportive and said she’d go with me to the doctor when she got back home in a few days.

I don’t think I told Jeni about being pregnant until I made the decision to place Charlie for adoption.

Both Jeni and Hilary were supportive of my decision. I had asked Hilary to come be there with me while I was in labor but since I ended up having an emergency c-section things didn’t work out the way we had planned. Hilary did come to the hospital while I was in the operating room. My dad was at home with Noah and after Charlie was born, Hilary went to my parents’ house and stayed with Noah for awhile so that my dad could come to the hospital and see Charlie. Hilary came back the next day and brought me a big huge bag of Reese’s Cups, my favorite!

Jeni came to visit the next day. I was able to talk with her and be honest about how I was feeling. She let me know that she was there if I needed her.

I talked to Jeni and Hilary a lot in those first few days after relinquishment. They didn’t completely understand what I was going through but they were there to listen and be supportive and for that I am thankful.

Building Your Support Network Part 1
Building Your Support Network Part 2
My Supportive Hubby

Photo note: Photo is of Jeni, Hilary, and I at the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.