I used to read that book like the Bible. "What To Expect When You're Expecting" was my guide to all things pregnancy. Fortunately for my dependency, along came "What To Expect the First Year," to help me make that transition to motherhood. (The book says he should be sitting up by now-- what's wrong?!)

What neither the books told me was how becoming a mother meant I wasn't just the mother to my own child, I somehow became connected to every other child out there.

Now, whenever I'm at the mall, and see a toddler making his escape, I have to help. Whenever I see a little girl lost, I become her temporary mom until her frantic real one appears-- usually just seconds later.

But my own kids and the ones I encounter are at least the ones I can help. The hardest times are when I read about other children who have been hurt or killed that I never knew. Some examples:

• -The baby in Germany, whose parents posted an ad to sell him on Ebay for $1.57.

• -Sean Paddock, the little boy suffocated after being wrapped in a blanket by his mother.

• Maria Chapman, daughter of Christian musician Steven Curtis Chapman, who was accidentally hit by a car driven by her brother.

• Will Franken Chapman, Maria's brother, for the unspeakable horror and guilt that he must feel.

And these are just from this last week.

When you think of the children from the earthquake in China, the cyclone in Myanmar, it becomes overwhelming.

Elizabeth Stone, an author and journalist said that motherhood is a momentous decision. "It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."

Sometimes our hearts just get beat up out there. But still we continue to love, to care and to hope. That, I guess, is what to expect when you become a mother.