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June 25, 2008
New Life
There is a sweet perfection in all new life – soft, smooth curves in gentle shades of color – refreshing to look upon. Love wells up from our hearts in the most natural sense of rhythm, without thought or reason, as we gaze upon this wonder before us. From the tender green fronds of a shaded tropical fern to the tiny, plump mouth of a precious newborn baby.
I decided to make pillows this past Friday, actually just doing the rather simple act of sewing squares. Our new bench arrived a few days earlier, and I wanted to make the hard surface a bit softer with the addition of these cushy forms. I was also very happy to have some time at home to do whatever came to me, and this was how I planned to spend my evening. Oh, how things can change.
I received a phone call from my oldest son with some surprising news. He and his very pregnant wife were headed for the hospital because her water broke. He preceded to tell me to relax, and that the baby will probably come sometime this weekend, and he would let me know when things progress.
Friday was the Summer Solstice, and a full moon. Energy being what it is, cause and effect play with us in all things we do, and birth is always part of this equation. This baby was coming 3 weeks early, but somehow the time was just right for him.
I received the second call a couple of hours after the first, with the news that contractions were being felt, and without hesitation, my slightly reluctant mate and I were in the car headed for the hospital. I was so grateful that he decided to join me, as this proved to be a very supportive move on his part.
I envisioned that we would be sitting in some cold and sterile waiting room for quite some time, just wondering how things are going, but maybe we could at least visit my daughter-in-law and my son for a short while, knowing that we would be chased away soon after.
To my wonderful surprise, this hospital was set up with a new concept... a family affair was about to take place, and this event was to be shared with at least 3 members. I and the other grandmother, along with my son, were allowed to stay and be there to share and support.
My excitement level peaked, as I anticipated this event that I was about to witness. I felt like pinching myself, not believing this was really happening, and as the process did move forward, it was clear to me that I was in for an entirely new and wonderful experience.
The mother was on a bed that adjusted in ways that reminded me of those transformer toys. I fully expected it could become some other newly formed creature... set up for child birth, of course.
She seemed rather calm, which was mostly due to epidural euphoria, as my son stood next to her, almost like he was waiting in line for something. I sat behind him, so I could not see his face, but I was able to take in all of her expressions.
In between contractions, she would grab his shirt with her left hand. At one point, I felt way too much like a mother as I reminded him to take her hand.
Without missing a beat, he was there for her. Each time she pushed, he held her left foot while the mid-wife/nurse held her right one, giving her more leverage to push.
At one point, the doctor grabbed a sheet and tied a knot in one end. She explained that if the mother grabs and pulls on the knot, she will pull in the opposite direction, as this action seems to help the body push with even greater effort.
After over an hour of this labor-intensive pushing, the doctor felt an episiotomy was necessary, and moments later, at 3:37 am Saturday morning, their son was born! Emotions filled the room... absolute pure elation and joy!
A special bonding took place, obviously for the parents, along with relief that this part was nearly over. But for me, the bond goes beyond a clear explanation. Like the feeling I had when I held him in my arms minutes after his birth, and his eyes blinked trying to see where this voice was coming from. I recognized him, not just because he looked like the familiar face his father had at his own birth, but more because I knew we were old friends who were given the opportunity to share this relationship of grandmother to grandson.
I have had a couple of dreams about him in the past. We were talking, and he was quite young, asking me all kinds of questions. At one point, he was explaining something to me, and I was carefully listening, as he showed such advanced ability to speak for such a young child... full sentences that normally do not come from a 2 year old, or maybe younger.
As I sit here contemplating all that has taken place in the last few days, I am made aware of what a gift I have been given, and that I will continue to bond with this new little soul who has come into our lives. In the miracle of birth, we are all blessed with his presence, and magically I am happily transformed into a new grandmother.
Posted by kay at June 25, 2008 05:31 AM