Last night was amazing, my daughter gave birth to her third child; without medication. She was powerful and strong. She did not make a peep during the natural labor until the last five minutes when she was in push labor. It is not that she didn’t feel the pain…she did…she just refused to let it dominate her birthing experience. It is natural to be fearful, in pain, stressed, and overwhelmed…but, I did not see that with her. I saw focus and I saw joy and excitement …she was about to meet her child for the first time.
The pregnancy was a bit difficult. Many pregnancies and deliveries are. Sometimes they are traumatic; mothers go through much to bring children into the world. Often, I think that not enough recognition is given to a woman during this time. It is still a miracle and because it has become safer for both mother and child…people forget that things can and do go wrong. It can be a stressful time for both mothers and fathers. Men also sacrifice alot for their children but pregancy and delivery is the beginning of the parenting experience. Fathers need to be encouraged during this time to bond with both the mother and the child during the pregnancy because that is very important to both of the parents…and eventually to the child. It is a strengthening time for the whole family…or it should be anyway!
I watched my daughter, I prayed for her…and i was in awe. I dont believe that i could have done it. This was her largest child. It is also her last pregnancy. I told someone, who was there, that if it wasn’t for the baby trying to come early for the last 2 months; she would make being pregnant and delivering look easy. I know it was a difficult time for her and her family as she is not used to being inactive. It took a team of people to help bring this little one into the world. Her mother -in -law was amazing and she sacrificed much of her time helping; as I live over an hour away. It was greatly appreciated to know that she was giving her care, that i could not provide on a daily basis.
Women have internal strength and personal power that they are often unaware that they possess, until they are tested and pushed beyond what they think they can endure. Men are pretty amazing as well. I watched my son in law as he went pale and struggled while my daughter was plunged into pain…it was a testament to his love for her to see him as he physically went through stress and misery right along with her. Men see and experience things differently than women do. It does not mean they aren’t feeling and being moved…they just show it and express it in different ways. Both men and women have conflicting and complementing skills, strengths, knowledge and for that I also greatful. We are made by God to be each other’s support and strength, and sometimes sounding board.
I love my daughter and I love my daughter in law. I am thankful for their sacrifice to bring my grandchildren into the world. Mothers are amazing…they deserve respect for many things…not the least of which, is the effort it takes to bring a child into the world. I love my mother and I appreciate her and her sacrifice for me and my siblings. I dont think that we can say it enough to our parents that we understand and appreciate them.
Anytime something new is about to be accomplished or born there are great challenges, difficulties, or resistence. It is in the struggle that value is born…the very thing which we are striving to give birth to, or that which we are trying to accomplish, is pitted against the challenges. Is your struggle worth the effort it will take bringing it to life and nurturing it until it is fully formed? I believe it is…whether it is giving physical birth to a child, a dream, a career, or any other goal! What is important enough to you, to overcome the obstacles in your way?
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