Just Another Miracle

JUST ANOTHER MIRACLE

We’re expecting two new babies in our family.

The British son of my cousin, who transplanted from London to sunny Santa Cruz, and his lovely wife are due to bring forth their first child in less than two weeks. In other words, any day now!

My son and wonderful daughter-in-law are expecting their little boy around Nov. 2. They are becoming first-time parents in their late 30’s. I smile inside, knowing how this little one will rock their comfortable world.

We haven’t had a family baby in well over 6 years, and it’s deliciously exciting to anticipate. The other 5 grandchildren are excited, especially Skyler, who hopes his cousin will arrive on his own birthday, Nov.1. His mom went into labor as she was trick-or-treating with her daughter, but that’s another story.

My cousin Peg and her husband Eric will arrive soon, hoping to get here before the birth…or not, as the child dictates. We are all reminded that it will be perfect either way. Flexibility is the key word , as we prepare to host the new grandparents here at any moment the kids decide they want privacy. We love sharing our home with the cousins from abroad, and they are comfortable here in our forest house.

The great thing about birth is that it is unpredictable. No matter how much we plan and prepare, become educated and decide how we want it to be, the possibilities are vast. Giving birth and parenting represent a leap of faith, a jump into the unknown with a willing heart.

Modern prenatal testing has certainly lessened the surprises, however. I never knew the sex of my babies until that final push, and it was a magical moment. I am a bit sad that today’s parents rarely experience that. I even remember when the birth of twins came as a surprise. Why, there’s another baby in there! OMG we’re taking home TWO!

Nevertheless, today’s parents face the great unknown…who is this child? What will he or she be like? How will I respond to the needs of an infant? Can I breastfeed? Is he OK? And on and on until perhaps the end of our parental lives. Regardless of how many classes we take, books we read, or opinions and decisions we come to, our child is going to humble us in her/his profound innocence and tremendous presence. Our lives will never be the same. My young cousin and his bride will never be the same. My beloved son and his wife are going to be permanently transformed. This is the true beauty of life, reality at it’s most raw and magnificent. It is our human purpose and opportunity. Bring it on!

Salle Webber