This post is dedicated to one of my best friends of all time, who, with the joyous birth of her son this morning, was herself reborn - as a mother.
I wrote this a few weeks ago but, as I've been neglecting my little blog, hadn't gotten around to posting it yet. I figure today is the day to hit the "publish" button, since this everything I want her to know about motherhood. I only hope it isn't too dark for such a happy occasion.
As a mother, your life will be forever changed.
As a mother, you will have some of the highest highs and lowest lows you have ever experienced in life.
As a mother, you will come to know certain things. You will develop a sixth sense. You will become just the slightest bit clairvoyant.
As a mother, you will be a small being's source of nourishment, source of comfort, and whole world.
As a mother, you will know if your child is feverish just by brushing your lips against his forehead.
As a mother, you will sacrifice.
As a mother, your best self and your worst self will meet and shake hands. On a regular basis.
As a mother, you will be needed at just the moment when you thought you could give no more.
As a mother, you will dig down, dig in, dig deep.
As a mother, you will hold on.
As a mother, you will sometimes have to let go.
As a mother, you will deliver magic healing kisses.
As a mother, you will know a new, somewhat uncomfortable, level of vulnerability.
As a mother, you will be your own worst critic.
As a mother, you will find hidden reserves of patience you had no idea you possessed.
As a mother, you will worship ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes.
As a mother, you will experience an unearthly connection to another soul.
As a mother, you will make mistakes.
As a mother, you will have to forgive yourself.
As a mother, you will know a love like no other.