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My Gift

I am the luckiest woman in the world.
I have the unusual hobby of being a doula and birth assistant in people's homes.  This means that I have the privilege of sharing in families most intimate spaces.

This morning I arrived before dawn.  Quietly sitting in the dimly-lit living room, I hear the sweet whimper of a two-year-old baby girl.  Her dad enters her room, but she cries that she just wants mommy.  "Mommy is busy.  Mommy is having a baby today!"  Immediately her crying stops.  As they commune in the dark, she soaks it all in.  "You are going to be a big sister!  Isn't that so exciting?!"  Still silent, I am sure she understands.
A few minutes later, I see the ruffled hair of a four-year-old boy emerge from the hall.  He smiles, introduces me to his toy truck and informs me that he gets to spend the day with "Mimi". 
Breakfast is eaten, bags are packed and the children are on their way with grandma.

For the next few hours, I get to be a silent observer as this amazing woman labors through the task that God has given her.  She works through every contraction with grace...
and I revel in the beauty. 
I watch as her exhausted husband also works with every contraction.  Pushing... squeezing... holding... loving.  For more than 12 hours this husband and wife will continue the arduous work of bringing their new daughter into this world.  Many of the moments they will pass through will shape who they are forever.  Truly, these are the moments that make up a beautiful life.

In our own homes, it is often difficult to recognize the moments that make up the story of our beautiful life.  We do not take the time to sit back and simply savor the sweetness that continually surrounds us.
We worry.  We complicate.  We stay too busy.

But from this point of view, everything looks different.  Here in the sacred space of another family, time slows down and I can really soak it in.  I can see these moments in family life for what they truly are... They are beautiful.  They are priceless.  And they are eternally important.

To all the women who have trusted me to share this holy space with you--  Thank You.
You teach me more than you know.  You amaze me, you inspire me, and you humble me.  Being in your presence makes me a better mother, a more grateful wife and friend, and a more devoted daughter of God.  Thank you for gifting that to me over and over again. 
I am the luckiest woman in the world.

Comments

  1. StefaniAugust 30, 2014 at 5:40 PM

    Laurisa I tell everyone that you were my rock in the last few minutes before Crew came. Thank you. I'm so gald you were there.

    ReplyDelete

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