Sunday, March 15, 2009

In Awe of Motherhood: A new mommy is born

I have terrific news: My dear friends Melissa and Matthew had a baby boy named Jude! They're my first friends to have a baby, and Friday was the first time I visited a hospital maternity ward and held a 2-day-old baby in my arms. In a word: wow.

But what overwhelmed me most was seeing Melissa transform into a mommy. She's such a motherly, warm person to begin with, so actual motherhood comes naturally to her. Whether swaddling her baby "like a burrito," rocking him back and forth to soothe his cries, or quietly explaining to him why breast milk makes him gassy, she just felt like the epitome of a mom. And not just any mom -- a good mom.

Witnessing such a moment made me think of Sally. I imagined what she looked like in the hospital room after giving birth to me. I heard the sweet nothings she coo'ed into my newborn ears. I felt her soft gaze upon me. I sensed her loving spirit.

In that room with Melissa and Matthew and baby Jude, a new family whose love made even the mustard hospital walls glow, I felt all the love in the world.

4 comments:

  1. You know I cry at the drop of a hat... can you imagine the sobs coming out of me right now after that beautiful post? I mean, really, have nicer words ever been said? I don't think so.

    When we were talking about c-section scars and I was saying how I never thought I'd have one you said to me, "Hey, Meliss, Sally had one, too." I have thought of those words many times in the last couple of days. I get choked up thinking about moms and how ours brought us into this world and how I am touched beyond words that Sally was with my little family that day.

    I adore you. You're Sally's most perfect project.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think Sally would say the C-section scar is one to wear with pride and proof of your "most perfect project," as you said so nicely.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Marisa. I just opened your blog for the first time and read through the archives. Its an inspirational diary and it brightened my day. Your such a talented writer! I told my girlfriend, Stephanie, about the blog and shared some stories with her about our childhood days growing up as neighbors. She lost her aunt to a tragedy a few years back and we often deal with the empty feeling that surrounds holidays. She found your blog to be a beautiful tool of expression. I think its so great that you're doing this and I hope all is extra fabulous for you in the future. -Russ

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is interesting, I am impressed, keep posts like this coming, you are awesome.


    Nicole using Medela symphony these days.

    ReplyDelete