In a message dated 12/6/2006 8:04:49 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
My own personal experiences were that when my babies were born at home, my
visitors tended to be close friends who felt comfortable "invading" the
privacy of my home
One of my most cherished memories as a young girl happened when I was 12
years old and in 7th grade. I babysat for my next door neighbor's children and
she became sort of a "mother-mentor" to me. She was a very "natural" mother,
and she had all but her first child at home. (this was 1980) When she had
her third child, I waited excitedly to meet my newest charge. She taught me
about pregnancy, childbirth, homemaking. (my own mother was quite "modern"
and of course she was "only" my mother if you know what I mean). I rode my
bike home for lunch each day from school, and one morning as I rode up, her
mother came out and called me over. She said Cheryl had a surprise for me. I
went inside and Cheryl beckoned me into her bedroom. There she was, holding
little Jesse. He was less than a half hour old. He wasn't all polished and
ready for visitors, he was happily nursing and Cheryl looked radiant. What a
wonderful lesson for a 12 year old girl who only knew about hospitals and
formula to "have a baby". I saw the beauty in that room, her mother, her
husband, the midwife standing back, and her two older children sitting reverently on
the bed. If I have ever felt the Spirit of God, or whatever higher power
you believe in, I felt it that day. 26 years and 4 children later, I still
remember the absolute beauty of that moment. I have never had the privilege of
having my own homebirth due to high risks beyond my control, but I have
successfully breastfed all but the very first one. Cheryl probably has no idea
the profound impact she had on my life. She probably never expected that I
would make my life's work based on the experience she honored me with that day.
I don't know why, I just felt I needed to share that "story". Whenever we
feel we aren't making a difference, or that no one is listening, we need to
remember that in the most innocent of settings can be all the difference in the
world. We never feel like we are doing enough, but differences don't
necessarily need to be made in leaps and bounds, it's the little differences that
can make the most impact.
God bless each and every one of you as you impact our world. :)
Renee Drake RN CLC
Early Head Start Health Resource Specialist
Glenn County California
"If we could look into each other’s hearts and understand the unique
challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently,
with more love, patience, tolerance, and care".
Marvin J. Ashton
“Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in
human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten
page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense
of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and
tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world.”
David O. McKay
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