I Will Show You This
Littlest One,
It is snowing outside. Last week the grass was green, my
begonias still vaunting their soft pink petals. And tonight, your brother
asleep, the night a quiet dark, I watch the way the white changes everything
over into something new.
You do not know yet, the way things fall at different
speeds.
You do not know yet, the way a cup of hot tea can calm.
You do not know yet, the feel of soil between your fingers.
You do not know yet, the sound of singing.
You do not know yet, the possibilities of a daydream.
You do not know yet, the scent of wood smoke.
You do not know yet, the pleasures of the body.
You do not know yet, how humans can disappoint.
You do not know yet, this snow softly falling, this apple on
my tongue, how beautiful and fragile it all can seem.
I have tried to guide your brother. “Look,” I tell him.
“Look up, look low, look there, look under, smell that, touch this, listen to
that crow that chickadee that owl. Breathe deeply. Do you sense how it
feels, on the inside?”
I will do the same with you. I am not the loudest, Baby, I
am not the bravest. There are others who lead more boldly. But I will offer you
what I know is good. I will bring you into this imperfect world, and I will demonstrate for you the way I pray: with my attention.
It is snowing outside. You are warm and safe and probably
sleeping, sucking a tiny thumb, stretching small limbs, pressing in the quiet
dark against the only home you have ever known: me.
There is more for you to see. Every day will be new--not perfect, but worth it. I will
show you.
Oh, my. You certainly have had something to be thankful for this holiday. Congratulations, and best wishes. This is the loveliest announcement of a miracle I've ever happened across.
ReplyDeleteOh. Sweet words. Thank you, Linda.
DeleteEmily:
ReplyDeleteFor years I have admired you writing style. I have observed your anticipation and growth as you have thrived in new motherhood. I have witnessed the blessings you recognize in your life. You may not know it yet, but it continues to get even better.
Grateful for your friendship,
Richard
It has been years, hasn't it! Time never ceases to stop me in wonder. Thanks for your support, Richard!
DeleteCongratulations Emily!
ReplyDeleteCan't think of a better way to share your news- through your wonderful gift of words!
Blessings to you and your family.
Thanks, Pat. Blessings to you, too!
DeleteBeautifully written. Such loving words to your unborn baby. Congratulations! This is wonderful news. How blessed this babe.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, Audrey. I will certainly do my best. Hope you stay warm and (eventually) snowy this holiday season.
DeleteHi Emily,
ReplyDeletePat Hittle suggested that I check out your blog, and I'm so glad that she did. Your photos and pieces of writing are beautiful. I can especially relate to this post as a new mom to a five month old little girl. It seems both seconds and eons ago that she was inside of me. I continue to be amazed at how quickly we fall in love and how soon we learn to adapt. Congratulations and best wishes for a smooth delivery! =)
Hi Jennifer! So glad you clicked over on Pat's recommendation. I'm definitely here far less than I was prior to becoming a mother, but it's been a place that keeps me observing and writing -- so, little by little, I show up when I can.
DeleteHope things continue to go well with your little love! If you're interested in more posts about that first year of motherhood, click back to 2013 under the archive, and you'll find a few things that might interest you. :)