Today is the ‘tomorrow’ I prayed about, planned for and looked forward to yesterday.
As I often do, I quietly chanted a little verse from Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” And so I rejoice…for countless reasons; but today, one particular one stands out among the rest: Forty-five years ago, I became a mother when our first son was born and seventeen years ago, I became ‘Nana’ when our daughter had her son.
As I look back on my entrance into motherhood, I marvel at the privilege of being a parent. Never once did I consider NOT being a mother, and there is no doubt in my finite mind that, from childhood, God placed that desire in my innermost being.
In my childhood years, I created a ‘family’ of stuffed animals and raggedy old dolls, and even put clothes on our cocker spaniel, Suzie! I organized my mother’s pantry after a pretend day of grocery shopping and I played ‘house’ with or without my childhood friends. I nursed ‘sick’ dolls, and talked openly to my invisible ‘children,’ calling them by name. I was already a mother when I was eight years old!
Just two days ago, a very dear friend said to me that “parenthood doesn’t end when our children leave the ‘nest.’ It ends with our last breath.” I just nodded. Nothing profound in that statement, I though, just simply a statement loaded with love and commitment.
Happy birthday, Stewart. Happy birthday, Ben. My life is richer from having you both in it.
“This is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Indeed.
Thanks for the good read!
Thanks, Greg. Always appreciate your input!!