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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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