We each have a life story, penned without ink, read by the people around us. Who's writing your story?

Thursday, April 25, 2013

A Springtime Remembrance

Springtime memories. Do you have some? I do.
  
Today, as I took a walk, I did a little remembering. The new grass, the trees loaded with blossoms, and the warmth of the sun reminded me of a similar day sixteen years ago. But that day, I didn't walk.

It had been six weeks. Six long weeks. Six weeks of complete bedrest. Six weeks to save a baby girl, still unnamed. Day after day, from my station on the couch, I could see only the lilac bush through the dining room window. Every day, hopeful leaves pushed out a little bit more. Every day, I prayed for the little life growing inside me. Psalm 139 became my constant companion. It seemed our baby said, "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made . . . "

Finally, the day came for me to get up, to have another ultrasound, to see the doctor. I gingerly found my way into the car. All the way there and all the way back, I could hardly believe the transformation that had taken place since that bleak day in March when doctor's orders took me off my feet. Trees in bloom boasted a myriad of color. Tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils nodded their pretty heads in the warm breeze. Forsythia and azaleas lit up the landscape. The air smelled fragrant and sweet. The grass . . . could it grow any greener? The sun sent its healing rays deep into my soul. I couldn't get enough of spring's fashion statement. On the way home, my husband drove me up and down the side streets. Tears slipped down my cheeks. After the drama of a surprise baby almost lost, the beauty of new life gave me hope.

All these years later, I still remember that day. I also remember the midnight feedings, the times I rocked her and sang, the coloring pages, the play dough, the first and last days of school, the books we've read together, the piano recitals, the track events, the funny things, the tears, the vacations at the beach, the hugs, the long talks, the shopping . .  and the countless blessings that little girl, now fifteen, has brought to our family.

Precious memories. All of them.

Perhaps it's time to take a walk. To think back. Any springtime memories come to mind?




Monday, April 15, 2013

Spring: Moment of Wonder


a bit of bulb
dropped unnoticed

from my hand
late last fall

yields one tiny
blossomed jewel

cradled
in the hand

of a squatting child
on a sunny day

*Photo: Sharon at 2 1/2 years old.