They pass by with swollen bellies. Life growing within. And I remember being there. Three times I carried that growing life. I felt the pokes and prods of little hands and feet and head and knees. Not knowing at that time how the pokes and prods would be so different decades down the road.
How they grow up and away! No longer needing mama’s protection. No longer wanting mama’s protection. That life giving time oh so fleeting.
And as those young mothers pass I want to reach out and hug them. I want to tell them to cherish each moment. Like really cherish them. Even in the middle of mass chaos and frustration count each blessing. Because those moments change quickly.
Brushing long hair into ponytails becomes watching her walk down the aisle and away.
Holding hands snorkeling becomes calling only when needing something.
Sitting in the daycare parking lot with that little fellow climbing into the passenger seat beside me to eat breakfast becomes him climbing out of the passenger seat into school and how dare I even think about telling him I love him in front of friends!
And sitting, preparing for the day that will remove that life giving secret space. That precious space that held and comforted and grew three humans. Memories flood back.
And at the same time so very thankful for what was. And thankful for what will be. Because even as we walk through all the different moments of life there is a constant. And He never changes.
