Waiting On The Wonderful
I often find this title in my head- while on call for a birth, I am in a space, a holding pattern. I am not at all still, or simply quiet, but I am preparing my heart and hands for the work ahead. On call is usually a set time, from 37 to 42 weeks, marked off on my calendar. During this time, I am doing all the usual things, but have everything loosely planned in case I need to get up and go. I have bags packed and notes taken, my gas tank sits at full.
I remember a day in particular, 7 years ago. I got the call, that things had progressed from watch and wait to needing assurance. A quick visit with ideas for comfort and then off I went to take care of outstanding needs before the imminent birth. We took some time, went to the weekly doctors' appointment, wandered the snow-laden streets of town, mama riding her waves gracefully and with purpose. She was mentally and physically prepared for the work ahead of her. Visits with friends helped fill her love tank, family gave her a warm space in which to work. The relaxed atmosphere provided great feedback as the mama worked toward her goal. When it was time for more, she headed to the hospital, where she began to work in earnest. To this day, it was the most physical labour I have ever attended. The music she chose to work with was full of energy, not at all the pan-flute New Age music that is often chosen! It matched her so well! She ate freely, keeping her energy level up so she could do what she needed! She asked for help, giving her helpers specific tasks to help her find comfort. Her doctor was so relaxed he actually was able to rest, having just come off a 24 hour call; she was so in control! Did I mention she was so well prepared mentally as well as physically? When it was time for her wee person to join her, she gave her attention and focus solely to that purpose and in no time at all, he arrived, blinking his deep eyes and long lashes inquisitively at the love filled room. His dimples showed up right away and we were all enthralled by this gorgeous little man.
Today, he is 7! A few years have passed and he has been joined by cousins- but as he wisely told me a while ago when I asked him why he couldn't jsut stay little, he needs to be the biggest cousin, so his growing is something he takes very seriously! He forged the way in his clan- first child, first grandchild, first cousin, first boy, continuation of clan, of bloodlines. He is loved mightily and today, I wish him the happiest of birthdays as he spends it with his amazing mama.
Waiting on the wonderful. Birth is a miracle, absolutely no doubt about it. Every single part of creation, from the miracle of conception, the choice among millions of choices, the very right one, to birth and beyond. Psalm 139 says we are knit together. That is such an apt description of cell division and multiplication, each cell having its very own information and purpose. Intricate and unique and remarkable! How we eat, our nutriton during pregnancy, how we think, our mental health during pregnancy, how we feel about this baby, our emotional health during pregnancy, all play a big role. We are so fearfully and wonderfully made!
So, today, I am rejoicing in the miracle. This season, we really celebrate birth! Christmas, the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, the birth of LOVE. I am called to bring the message of birth- in my life, in my words, in my actions. I delight in it and, the more I find out, the more I want to share! YOU are a miracle! YOU are a perfectly designed being, right down to the very cells which were knit together to make YOU! How cool is that?
I remember a day in particular, 7 years ago. I got the call, that things had progressed from watch and wait to needing assurance. A quick visit with ideas for comfort and then off I went to take care of outstanding needs before the imminent birth. We took some time, went to the weekly doctors' appointment, wandered the snow-laden streets of town, mama riding her waves gracefully and with purpose. She was mentally and physically prepared for the work ahead of her. Visits with friends helped fill her love tank, family gave her a warm space in which to work. The relaxed atmosphere provided great feedback as the mama worked toward her goal. When it was time for more, she headed to the hospital, where she began to work in earnest. To this day, it was the most physical labour I have ever attended. The music she chose to work with was full of energy, not at all the pan-flute New Age music that is often chosen! It matched her so well! She ate freely, keeping her energy level up so she could do what she needed! She asked for help, giving her helpers specific tasks to help her find comfort. Her doctor was so relaxed he actually was able to rest, having just come off a 24 hour call; she was so in control! Did I mention she was so well prepared mentally as well as physically? When it was time for her wee person to join her, she gave her attention and focus solely to that purpose and in no time at all, he arrived, blinking his deep eyes and long lashes inquisitively at the love filled room. His dimples showed up right away and we were all enthralled by this gorgeous little man.
Today, he is 7! A few years have passed and he has been joined by cousins- but as he wisely told me a while ago when I asked him why he couldn't jsut stay little, he needs to be the biggest cousin, so his growing is something he takes very seriously! He forged the way in his clan- first child, first grandchild, first cousin, first boy, continuation of clan, of bloodlines. He is loved mightily and today, I wish him the happiest of birthdays as he spends it with his amazing mama.
Waiting on the wonderful. Birth is a miracle, absolutely no doubt about it. Every single part of creation, from the miracle of conception, the choice among millions of choices, the very right one, to birth and beyond. Psalm 139 says we are knit together. That is such an apt description of cell division and multiplication, each cell having its very own information and purpose. Intricate and unique and remarkable! How we eat, our nutriton during pregnancy, how we think, our mental health during pregnancy, how we feel about this baby, our emotional health during pregnancy, all play a big role. We are so fearfully and wonderfully made!
So, today, I am rejoicing in the miracle. This season, we really celebrate birth! Christmas, the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, the birth of LOVE. I am called to bring the message of birth- in my life, in my words, in my actions. I delight in it and, the more I find out, the more I want to share! YOU are a miracle! YOU are a perfectly designed being, right down to the very cells which were knit together to make YOU! How cool is that?
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