I recently met one of my closest friends- for the first time. We have been friends for years, we know intimate details of each other’s lives. We have supported each other through struggles with pregnancies, losses, depression and even more. Yet, this past week was the first time we had gotten an opportunity to come face to face and wrap each other in a big, huge hug.

The majority of the people I consider my village live a province or more away. Until recently I had never met most of them in person. I was a new mom with a one year old daughter and entering the world of cloth diapering. The online community that I found quickly blossomed into a group that covered every topic under the sun. That group slowly condensed into a group of 20-something women who became each other’s tribe.

These are women who have supported me in my toughest moments, who have challenged me when I needed to grow and who have made me laugh when all I had were tears. We celebrate kids’ milestones from miles away (the lucky ones get to celebrate together). It is a type of friendship beyond definition.

I can’t quite pinpoint the magical formula that works so well for us. It could be just the perfect combination of differing personalities and parenting styles. Or perhaps it is our similarities that bind us together. Maybe it is the fact that we are rarely all in the same place at the same time! But whatever the source, I am grateful for it.

What may have started as a Facebook distraction while nursing became so much more. These women have come to mean so much to me and have seen me through some of the hardest times of my life. I am so lucky to have them in my life- the unlikely friendship of internet strangers.

Anna

Meet Anna!

I am Anna- a former teacher and current stay at home mom of 2 spunky girls. After spending almost a decade in beautiful Nova Scotia, we have recently moved back to our home province of New Brunswick. Living in Woodstock, I am now navigating being a newcomer in a small town.I consider myself a feminist and a social justice advocate which definitely  influences my parenting. I believe building community, inclusiveness, diversity and equality are all important lessons for my (and all) children and I hope that my girls will grow into adults with open minds and open hearts. You can usually find me with my kids at the library, wandering through town playing Pokemon GO, online shopping or in my kitchen whipping up a treat- cinnamon rolls are my specialty. I am thrilled to be a part of the Mom Talk team and I can’t wait to share my musings with you!