A Miracle -- Really and Truly

I had the privilege of being in attendance for the birth of an old friend's daughter on Tuesday. I've known Missy since she was a bump in her own mother's tummy -- we live in the same building and I moved in 25 years ago. She had the good fortune of being able to have a natural childbirth even after being induced (many induced labors turn into C-sections). She was amazing. I was so blown away by the strength and endurance it takes to birth a child (I, unfortunately, had to have an emergency C-section with Theo). I was even a little jealous, if I'm to be completely honest. The circumstances behind Theo having to be born via C-section robbed me of what was a truly miraculous, empowering, and beautiful experience. She thinks I'm crazy because it hurt like hell and she has blood clots in her eyes from pushing so damn hard, lol, but I can't help feeling the way that I do.

I think she has just begun to understand that her life will never, ever be the same again. She has joined a very esteemed club now -- and the price of membership is not only a painful delivery, but a lifetime of devotion. In every way. Still -- the love we feel for our babies will always be worth any and every sacrifice we make. She'll see.

Here's to mothers everywhere! Whether we became mothers by C-section or natural childbirth -- we are indeed the stronger sex, in so very many ways. When you are exhausted and running on fumes as too often we find ourselves doing, remember, we have the strength of generations. We can, and will, go on. We always do somehow.