I
held an old photograph, its edges scalloped. The image was of a beautiful young
girl. She held a tiny baby doll in her arms. You looked lovingly into her big
blue eyes that closed and opened as you moved her up and down. All around were
the things you needed to keep her safe… her blanket, her bottle, her toys and
her crib. When your mother asked what you had decided to name your new little
girl, you held her close and looked through her long shiny eyelashes… and you
told her “Baby”. You were a wonderful Mother.
In
another photo, you brushed the long, flowing hair of another doll... this one
slender and tan. She was missing one of her petite, pointy shoes. You would
pull her hair back and brush it into a ponytail. The rubber bands would hold
the nylon hair tight as you dressed her into new outfits. Your mother watched
as you struggled to get her arms through the small holes in the sleeves. She
was fancy and beautiful and you would look to her as you fell asleep at night.
You were a wonderful Mother.
Time
would find you next door at the neighbor’s house… their young daughter still
very dependent upon the touch of a caregiver. They left you in the care
of her for a short while as they drove away for the evening. You played with
her and held her… her trust in you was evident as she held your hand. You
changed her clothes and fed her a snack while you sang a sweet song. She looked
into your eyes and smiled the smile of trust. You were a wonderful Mother.
You
sat in the low light… the hum of your voice was soft… and clear. There could
have been crowd around you, but you were in your world… the world of your
purpose. The warmth of your skin gave life to your children. Your hearts beat
as one through times of sickness and tears… through joys that only a mother can
know. You hold them close when they are afraid of the world and when they may
only need a touch. You feed them your soul. There have been times of turmoil
and fear and yet they still look to your eyes for the security that can come with
the calming light of a mother’s eyes.
Through
it all… you have been a wonderful Mother
Shannon
R Killman
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