Wow! When I had my children, back in the dark ages, we didn't have ultrasounds. We waited until the actual birth to discover the sex of our child. What a rush to hear your daughter tell you "Mom, it's a boy." I know my daughter really was hoping for a girl. She felt more comfortable with giving birth to a girl There would be a ready-made connection if it was a girl.
I'm not so sure. When I had my daughter, Jen, I was immediately filled with concern that I would screw her up. I had had my son. Hey, if I screwed him up I had a ready made excuse. "What do I know? I'm a female. Of course I would screw up a male!" But there was this beautiful, young, innocent, defenseless baby girl. She looked up at me with her gorgeous eyes, her shock of red hair, and it seemed she was looking deep into my soul. "Are you ready for me? Can you guide me in this world I've entered? What does it mean to be female? What does the world expect of me?" I literally trembled! And on that day she was born, alone in our little cubicle, I promised her I would allow her to be her. I would try not to be an interfering, controlling Mom. That I would try my best to remember she was my daughter and keep those boundaries.
Not sure how well I've done. I do know that I have this remarkable woman, bearing a very special boy, that I call my daughter. She is bright, courageous, loving and caring. How much credit I can take for that, I don't know. I do know that I influenced her. I know how much her Dad influenced her. I know that she was born from love. That her entry into this world was celebrated by so many. My parents, Art's parents, aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, great-grand aunts and uncles. From the moment we knew she was growing inside me, she was surrounded by love and prayers.
Jen and Adam's child, their son, enjoys the same. All over this country from Massachusetts to California,his aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, grandparents, great uncles and aunts are rejoicing. A new life!
Isn't that the best gift we can give this child? To promise him that no matter what we love him. Bring it on, little one! We want to share in your joys and sorrows. We want to support you and your parents as you find your way in this world of ours. The bottom line is, it truly doesn't matter if the Yankees or Red Sox win the World Series (ok AG, take a deep breath!). What matters is you matter. Whoever you become, whatever you pursue, whatever mission you take on as yours, your family loves you.
My Grandson is a blessing. God has blessed my family once again. Not only with a new member but more importantly, with an opportunity to show love. To see the goodness in this world. To prepare the way. To examine our lives and decide again what is truly important. Love. Love. Love. Thank you little one. For showing us, as you will do countless times I'm sure, that when it comes down to it, it's what we do with the love we are given that matters most.
