Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Blink


(grandbaby # 2. we can't wait to meet her)


Thirty-two years ago today, I was hugely, uncomfortably, 2-weeks-overdue pregnant. I looked like a broomstick that had swallowed a watermelon, as my father-in-law loved to remind me. I could sprawl on the couch, rest a plate on my belly, and eat dinner in a semi-reclining position.

In fact, that's about all I could do.

My daughter was born at 6:30 p.m. She was beautiful. So tiny. So perfect. I was terrified.

Then I blinked.

She walked onto the school bus like it was nothing, proudly wearing her kindergarten name tag. I could just see the top of her head as her little hand waved from the window.

I blinked again.

She stood in her dorm room, her eyes welling up with tears. "Don't leave yet," she said. "Let's go out for lunch."

I blinked again.

She walked down the aisle, looking like a princess and whispering to her dad to stop crying and secretly hoping for the best, as all brides do.

I blinked again.

She smiled up at me from the hospital bed, pulling back a corner of the little blanket so I could see her perfect baby daughter.

I blinked again.

She walked in with her husband yesterday, holding the ultrasound pictures for baby number two and trying to keep the happy secret as long as she could. "Look," she said. "You can't tell from the pictures if it's a boy or a girl. But these are her hands, and her little feet. And this is her heart."

Ah yes. Her heart. It's such a miracle, that little heart. It's inside you right now, my darling daughter. But even after she's born, it will still be a part of you.

Always.

Even if you blink.

Happy birthday.

~~~

10 comments:

Lillian Robinson said...

Perfect summary! Yes, looking back, it all happened as quick as a blink! Congrats on the new baby! Our 5th grand will be here in January, if not before. The baby is bigger than average and Mommy isn't...

The Retired One said...

(*sniff) Well, that was about the sweetest post I have ever read.
My daughter is pregnant for her first and will be getting her Ultrasound in 2 more weeks. Can't wait.
My other daughter has already blessed us with 2 wonderful grandkids....and we welcome this #3 with open hearts and arms!
Congratulations...being a grandma is about the best thing in the world, isn't it?!

Rae said...

You made me a little teary eyed with this. Your words are eloquent and perfect. The circle of life and its miracle. Congratulations grandma.

plainolebob said...

simply....beautiful

Ellie Kings said...

Awww... I don't have any children, and still you moved me with your words. Lovely! Tell her I said Happy Birthday and congratulations. You must be so proud of her!

Fran Hill said...

Very nice post. I like the way you wrote this. None of my kids have made me a granny yet, though maybe it won't be long. I must learn to knit sometime.

Brilliant Sulk said...

Very sweet. Congratulations, you sound like an awesome grandmother...

You can babysit my kids anytime. How about tomorrow? They're easy. Just give them a ball of string and a hairbrush and they're content for HOURS.

plainolebob said...

CONGRATS on your award too

Lesley said...

Thanks everybody. I'm glad you liked it. My "little girl" is really amazing. And her little girls will be too, I'm sure!

Midwest Mom said...

What terrific news, Lesley. It is apparent how much you love your little girl.

And new babies are such miracles, arent' they?

I wish them and you good health and *every* happiness. :)

- Julia

(btw, I gave you an award on Midwest Moms today. I hope my readers come by to read your terrific writing. Have a great day!)

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