Messages come to LLLI in multiple ways - a handwritten note tucked in with a donation, an email generated from the Web site, writing inspired by an event or action. Regardless of the method, the message is overwhelmingly one of gratitude. Below are some for you to savor.
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 I am a former member of La Leche League from Fayetteville, Georgia. It's been a very long time. My girls are now 28, 26, and 21. I was very young when I had the first one and Thank Heaven For La Leche League!! It was the best thing that ever happened in my Life back then!! How much I used to enjoy those meetings and even had some of the meetings at my house - Us mom's coming together to share our experiences was a beautiful time and a wonderful distraction from the every day chores we all had to face - it was relaxing, comforting, and a time that was very special. I don't think there are any better memories in my life than those precious times!!! My oldest daughter excelled in school and now has her Master's Degree (going for doctorate) and is a school teacher. (I like to think that breastfeeding her was a big part of the reason why she did so well.) She started out tiny and with jaundice and it was a bit hard getting started with breastfeeding - hence the reason why after almost giving up, I contacted LaLeche and the rest is history. She went on to nurse solely for the first year of life. I lost all of my weight quickly and was a young, thin, and very happy mommy of the most beautiful little girl, who has grown up to be someone I'm so proud of (sorry for bragging a little.) Now my middle daughter, Jenny (also a school teacher) is expecting her 1st baby in October (just found out) and I want to turn her on to LaLeche so she can experience some of those great moments I had back then. Life has gotten a lot "tougher" since those "quiet and comforting times," but I'm hoping my girls will experience the pleasures that I did when I was a member of LaLeche League.
Thanks!
Kathi Kerlin, McKeesport, Pennsylvania USA
Those Leaders who stay active for the long haul are the same kind of lovely, genuine, caring women as the ones who founded LLL 46 years ago. At the 2003 Conference Founders’ session, one of the Founders wished for all of us a lifetime friend, such as those she made in LLL. I have already found several lifetime friends among LLL Leaders, and I wish the same for you. Open your heart to someone special among your LLL circle. Nurture that friendship and treasure it for a lifetime.
Laura Probst, Michigan USA
Being affiliated with LLLI was one of the most beneficial and rewarding experiences of my entire life. It enriched my life beyond measure.
Mary E. McCarty, Nebraska USA
I remained a Leader through every move our family made for almost 10 years. Needless to say, the friendships have lasted as our nursing babies grew, married and soon will have babies of their own. My volunteering time with LLL gave me the confidence to pursue a college degree and teaching career at age 41. Communication skills, dealing with so many different and wonderful people… LLL gave that all to me.
Marilyn Breiling, California USA
LLL has been the most rewarding and life changing organization of my life. I have observed the goodness it brought in my life and those around me. My daughter is now an LLL member in Connecticut.
Dodie Eisenhauer, Missouri USA
My middle son was recently diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. We had two very difficult and challenging years. It has been a long hard journey to get our son the proper help, but as I watch him grow I am now seeing that the base of LLL love that we gave him is helping him give him the strength to overcome this illness. Children like my son can cause one to question all that one has learned and believed in through LLLI. So it is important that parents who have children like these are educated to understand their child's condition and biological struggles so that they can continue to be the awesome parents that they already are.
Jill Levien, Massachusetts, USA
LLL has had an influence on my life that compares with nothing else. Years as a leader taught me to put all the LLL principals in practice. I have never changed those principles. To this day I smile when I see a happy nursing baby. I returned to work after years at home as a speech pathologist. I approach students and their families from a different perscpective, keeping in mind that moms know their children best. All those years of listening from the heart has helped me counsel parents through very difficult situations.
Nancy Miller, Washington, USA
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