As I prepared to get in the shower for the first time since bringing our newborn son home, I was stopped by the reflection of my naked self in the mirror.
It was an image of a woman that looked 4-5 months pregnant, even though she was no longer growing life within her.
It was a beautiful image, yet sad. Beautiful, because it had carried and brought forth seven human beings that I couldn’t imagine life without. Sad, because it had just birthed its last.
The last time I stood in front of that mirror, I was a huge, 9-months pregnant, standing in a puddle of amniotic fluid, not sure what to do next, but knowing that I would be meeting my baby that day.
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As I stood there, tears welled up in my eyes. I no longer had a constant companion with me, reminding me of his presence with a little kick or jab or roll. He was now part of this world and not part of me, and I would never experience that again.
I stood there and reflected on his birth, replaying it over and over again in my head, as I did with all my kids’ births after they were born, and still do from time to time. They are the best moments of my life, moments I wish I could relive again and again, moments I will remember forever.
I’m comforted to know that I have these memories to reflect on as our family moves on to the next season. God has shown us that we are done having children; this time in our lives is ending, and there are new beginnings just ahead.
To be a part of God’s amazing plans and works to bring forth a life is such an honor, is such an amazing experience, is indescribable really. And I’ve gotten to experience is 7 times. For that, I am thankful and truly bless