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| “Mom, Mom are you there? Did you hear what I said? I haven't felt the baby move yet!” It's funny how the mind can travel so far so fast. Here was my daughter, in a near panic, pulling me back to the conversation of the moment. “Yes, dear. Yes, I heard everything you said. Everything will be okay. You are only four and a half to five months along. That baby should kick any time now, just don't you worry,” I put a smile in my voice. In my most convincing, motherly tone, I remind her that the first baby is always exciting, a time of apprehension, full of unanswered questions, and unpredictable. Come to think of it, that pretty well sums up all pregnancies. Also, I gently remind her to surround herself with beauty – beautiful music, paintings, literature, thoughts, people -- at this very most important time in her life. Gently I remind her that worry will only upset her, and the baby. For the moment she is mollified, and I hope she goes off to work feeling just a tad better. After hanging up the phone, I poured some juice for Bunky, put a children’s video in the VCR, gathered up my Postum and cheese puffs, and settled in a corner of the couch. Absentmindedly, I stared at the movie. My mind was really elsewhere, lost in reverie. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” My husband intones words of comfort as the labor pains intensify. It is nine o’clock in the morning. Just one hour ago labor had been induced. Friday's child is loving and giving |
| “How do you feel this morning?” my husband cautiously asked. “Not very well, I am just soooooo sick! The baby still hasn't moved, and I still can't pee!" I nearly wailed with worry, and it's been THREE WHOLE DAYS!” Quite reluctantly, yet trying to sound nonchalant he suggested, “We better call the doctor.” That put me in a near panic, for I'd just had a checkup and the baby wasn't due for about four weeks. What could be wrong? Why would my baby die? What did I do? Why God? My mind raced like an engine idled too high. It just wouldn't be still. Everything seemed grim and suddenly lost the glow of motherhood, and took on a menacing lackluster. |
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