Being Mama Bear

Before Elias was born, I asked local friends for pediatrician recommendations and interviewed several. We landed on an older woman who had an established practice, came highly recommended and seemed like she would be a great care partner for our family.

Which was true…. Sort of.

You see, Elias had chronic congestion and ear infections. As a new mom, I was calling all the time. The office nurses were never overly friendly, and it got so that I was nervous to call or felt dumb for wanting to ask a question about his health.

After six months I decided enough was enough. I wanted a care partner who made me feel like my voice was being heard. I knew my son. I knew when something wasn’t right.

I talked to more friends and found a new pediatrician. Making that phone call to ask to have our records transferred is something that I will always remember.

It felt like my first big mama bear moment. You know what I mean? The moment when you feel something rise up in you that says, I will do anything for this child.

I was reminded of that experience while watching the new Miracles From Heaven (available now on DVD), a heart wrenching family drama about faith, science, family, and the mysteries of miraculous events, themes that echo in a variety of ways throughout the film.

For me, the most compelling part of Miracles From Heaven was Jennifer Garner’s raw, realistic portrayal of Christy Beam, a mother whose life, faith, and sanity were all tested when at age 9, her daughter, Annabel, was diagnosed with a rare and incurable condition.

Watching Garner’s character push through every emotional barrier in order to fight for her daughter’s life and well-being brought up a multitude of feelings as I thought about the moments when I’ve been pushed to do the same on behalf of my own kids. Of course, we have not been faced with a significant health struggle like in the movie, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t fought.

We mamas fight big and little fights for our children all the time. It is part of the rich experience of motherhood. Miracles From Heaven reminded me that sometimes it’s not only okay for my kids to see me fight on their behalf, it’s powerful and good. I know it is something they will always remember.