To my fellow Wal-Mart moms

Wal-Mart is basically my most visited location, second to my two-year old's bed room (which I visit about 800 times a night).

Most times I need something - milk, diapers, butter, a big old bag of something chocolate. But sometimes I need something that I cannot buy. I need a break. I need a sense or normalcy. I need to see other people. I need to literally not have to deal with my kids.Does that sound harsh?Not too long ago, when my Asher was only a month or so old, I remember going to Wal-Mart in the next town over (because I fear my local Wal-Mart may think I am literally insane). I am not sure if I needed anything and if I did need something it was probably not a necessity, probably not even something that I needed that day but my husband was at work and I needed out.As I walked around I felt at home, not only because I do love wandering around and looking at nothing, but because I was with my people.I saw you fellow mommies.I saw you wandering around with the stroller and matching car seat that was way too expensive because for some reason we believe are mothering abilities depend on how "cool" our strollers are.I saw you fellow "legging wearers"- because, let's be honest, they are comfy and hold it all in.I saw your tired eyes, cause they looked like mine. I saw the two-day old hair style held together with a can of dry shampoo - I get it, a shower is a luxury.I saw you and your determination to give your baby everything and anything - including a two-hour stroll around Wal-Mart because that is the only way you can get them to take a nap that last longer then 5 minutes.I saw your eyes shifting as you passed other moms and women wondering if they noticed those 20lbs you can't lose and wondering if you will ever feel like a functioning human being again.I saw you as your mind wandered to those "what ifs" that we tend to go to - like what if I completely mess up my child and they need therapy for the rest of their life.I saw you all as we walked around passing each other several times but never saying a word or making eye contact because (1) this is our new alone time and (2) we literally think that we are the only ones struggling with mommyhood.If I had the confidence to talk to you this is what I would say;

• You have literally just created, grew, and gave birth to a mini human, give yourself some credit
• It's ok that you are overwhelmed, wish the time away or wonder if you made a mistake - its normal and doesn't make you a bad mom it makes you a real mom
• No one knows how to raise your baby better than you - don't listen to anybody or anything but you gut, your intuition and those you love and trust
• You are beautiful, you are fearfully and wonderfully made, you are strong and you can do this

So if I ever see you again on the Wal-Mart mommy merry-go-round I hope that you see me too. I hope that you see someone who is in the same boat, someone who is just trying their hardest one day at a time and someone who you want to get to know.But more importantly I hope you know that "your greatest contribution may not be something you do but someone you raise".So hang on, enjoy the ride and I will be seeing you at Wal-Mart again soon!