The expectation is almost as good as the real thing.
Anticipation!
Anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations -
Gifts, parties, goodies, people, glitz, plans and preparations ...
Most of us expect some sort of recognition of the day we arrived in mortality - the day of our birth. What was your favorite birthday? What was your favorite gift? or party? or expedition? Did you anticipate it??
In November 1972 I was expecting - a baby.
We anticipated the arrival might occur on the 27th.
I thought that would be pretty cool.
27 Nov 72 ...
There were no ultra sounds to predict gender. Due dates were given with a two week 'before' or 'after' possibility. There was really no way to ever know either for sure ...
ANTICIPATION!!!
Would the baby be a girl or a boy?
[Girl!]
How much would the baby weigh?
[7 pounds 2 ounces!]
What day might baby arrive?
[On time - exactly - 27 Nov 72]
And would baby be 'normal', healthy and happy?
[Yes, in every way!]
Lamaze was new and heavily promoted as a 'pain free' birth method. My doctor recommended attending the classes and I found them very enlightening. I learned many helpful and interesting things.
Everyone was surprised when baby arrived as predicted.
They were even more surprised that I didn't even really need my Lamaze training. So was I - I kept trying to figure out if I was really in 'labor' - and after a short time baby's arrival answered my questions. I really couldn't figure out why some of the girls in maternity were making such a big deal of everything. (Silly me - I have learned since that time that pregnancy and delivery can be very difficult and even dangerous for some mothers and babies).
I often think about waiting for my first child.
I remember those first fluttery feelings of life.
I remember the anticipation, the expectation,
and even a little trepidation.
None of it was as good as the real thing -
nothing compared to holding that tiny baby girl in my arms.
 |
| Ginger with mother near first birthday |
Watching her grow was continual expectation and anticipation
and, yes, even a little bit of trepidation.
Every day became an adventure.
Every day held delight and joy.
She now has children of her own.
They magnify all those moments.
My expectations have become exponential.
She still fills my days with tremendous joy.
She came first - and there may never be any last.
Happy Birthday, Ginger
I so love you.
I content myself anticipating what we will share next!
It is sure to be better than expected.