A Fathers Perspective

It was so great to have the opportunity to be a part of this with Sharon. It has unexpectedly increased the amount of respect and love I have for her. Below is my reflection on the moment.

Tuesday night I went to bed wondering and feeling that possibly the baby could come, would it really? Midnight struck and she felt the knock on the door. Deep breathing and a gentle hand on the back were enough to sooth and comfort the suffering. Inconsistent at first, but steady after fourteen hours the pain was mounting, the anxiety snowballing. The expert midwife was called to evaluate the true progress of a day’s worth of work; just over a tenth of the way, the task seemed too much, the ambition vain.

Four hours and a membrane sweep later the progress seemed grim and resting measures pursued. Warm baths, pain medication, and patience ensued. A half conscious husband groggily arises to the aide of his ever valiant and strong counterpart after the long hours already spent on the endeavor. Almost twenty four hours later she still heeds the call, the door only slightly ajar.

The gushing of water unexpectedly comes to the rescue; a hurried gathering of things while holding her tight through the pain. Our dash to the hospital reveals progress to the final stages. The slowly unfolding drama comes to a climax of pain and grit she pushes with more force than ever imaginable, as if transferring part of her soul were required to bring this new life into the world. Excitement builds as the brown hairs of a head emerge. Time has slipped by unnoticed as a being emerges from the bowel of the life giving source of its mother. Bloody, slimy, and slightly deformed from the forces of labor it is still distinguishable as a healthy baby boy. My eyes and heart swell as something beyond mytself touches me and testifies of the importance of this moment.

As I sit in wonder, reflecting on the miracle of life I have just witnessed I’m amazed at the thoughts that do and do not run through my mind. I lay with his new warm body resting on my chest in the dark quiet room. I don’t think of the life that might be lived, the choices made, and the paths taken. I do think of how blessed and lucky I am to have witnessed this moment of life. I savor the time and emotions, appreciating it for all its worth, and only hope for a lifetime of these moments to share in the eternities.