Trisha, New York

Safe, Loved and Growing

When I think about my son Joshua, the first word that comes to mind is joy.

He’s 1 year old, full of energy and has a laugh that fills our home. He can watch his favorite show, “Lucas and Friends” repeatedly, and still laugh uncontrollably whenever certain shapes appear on the screen. I don’t know what’s so funny about a rhombus, but to him, it’s the best thing in the world.

The Little Things That Connect Us

Some of my most special moments with Joshua happen in the quiet hours. One night, around 2:30 a.m., he refused to sleep in his crib, so I held him against my chest. Instead of drifting back to sleep, he started laughing and kissing me, as if he just wanted to play. I had work early that morning, but even in exhaustion, I knew it was a memory I’d hold onto forever.

Joshua is always on the move, running around after breakfast, flipping on the bed, exploring everything. But no matter how busy he is, when I come home from work, he drops everything and smiles just for me. Not even his dad gets those smiles, and that makes me feel so deeply connected to him. His favorite song is “Wheels on the Bus” and he loves bananas more than anything. These little details make up the heart of our days together.

“Balancing work and motherhood is hard, and I know how lucky I am to have a supportive village to lean on.”

Trisha

As a mother, my greatest hope is that Joshua always feels safe. Safe enough to come to us for anything, safe enough to express his emotions without fear of judgment. In a world that too often tells boys to hide their feelings, I want him to grow up knowing it’s OK to be open, vulnerable and loved for who he is.

Postpartum anxiety (PPA) affects an estimated 1 in 5 new mothers.

Parenthood hasn’t been without its challenges. I was fortunate to have nine months at home with Joshua, but going back to work was painful. I had separation anxiety, constantly calling to check if he was okay.

Still, I worry about safety all the time. That’s why I’ve been hesitant about child care. For me, nothing matters more than knowing he’s safe.

My Vision for Our Future

Joshua is more than my joy. He’s my answered prayer. After a painful decision earlier in life and a diagnosis of PCOS, I was told I might not be able to have children. I fell into depression and prayed for forgiveness and for love. Then Joshua came into my life, and I knew he was the blessing I had prayed for. I even wrote a poem called “Pray for Love,” never knowing it would come true in the form of my son.

What I want people to understand is that babies need more than food, clothing or shelter. They need love and affection, especially in those first three years of their lives. That love builds the foundation for everything else — safety, belonging, hope and opportunity. Every baby deserves that. By believing in babies and supporting parents, we can create a world where children like Joshua thrive from the very beginning.

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