Motherhood

The day I took my son home from the hospital, a hospital nurse entered the room as we were getting Michael ready in his car seat. People dream of having a nurse like this woman when staying in a hospital; she oozed warmth and love. “Thank you so much for everything,” I said. She held me at arm's distance and looked into my tear-filled eyes. “Listen to me,” she said, as she also held my husband's hand. “Take care of each other. This is going to be one of the hardest years of your life, but it is also going to be the most amazing. Breathe it all in, and try not to kill each other.” Of course, I laughed. I thanked her again and walked out not fully understanding the weight of her words— until some years later.

My friend recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy: her first born. I could not be happier for her. And though I know she is head over heals in love with her little man, every time I look into my friend's eyes I see confusion, worry and an overwhelming fear. Of course, I can identify with those feelings all too well. When my son was born, I am sure if any experienced mother looked at me she could see what I see in my friend's eyes. The truth is no matter how you cut it, that first experience of motherhood is filled with insecurity, trepidation, love and protectiveness, all in one. Let's not forget the sleeplessness! But with most things that happen in the moment, we rarely see the beauty of it. My husband and I often talk about that time. We laugh and cry and reminisce about how wonderful it all was.

I want to say to my friend I know it is hard and trying, and at times lonely. But you too will see how very special this time is—one of the most magical and rewarding experiences of your life. I wish I could make her understand. However, I know that with time she will come to realize it herself. And it is always the hard things in life that are the most rewarding. Motherhood is the perfect example!