Mother's Day

Natalie woke up hysterically crying last night as my sister and I were watching a TV show together. After I couldn't get her comforted in her bed, I carried her into the living room, wrapped her in a blanket and held her while we finished the show. As my sister and I talked, she fell asleep in my arms, her breathing slowing, her eye lids fluttering and her little arms grabbing onto me to snuggle closer. She drifted off and I brushed her hair from her eyes and looked at her hands, her nose, her parted lips, her long dark lashes. Then I looked across to the couch, my sister with her swollen belly, just three weeks from having one of here own. Where did it go? How did I get here, the place I dreamed of for so long?

That was me just yesterday, taut round belly, eagerly waiting to meet our first child. That was me with the drawers of carefully folded green and yellow sleepers. That was me wondering if I'd be a good enough mom, thanking God for this blessing and praying for the patience, courage and guidance to care for his precious creation. His child.

And now, three years later, I'm celebrating my fourth Mother's Day with a long-limbed preschooler and a chubby-cheeked toddler, who was blessedly fast asleep in his crib. It's a miracle. It's amazing. I'm in awe. And I'm thankful.

Happy Mother's Day.