When it comes to children there are four very basic things that I place great emphasis on and these are pure water for drinking, clean air for breathing, good nutrition for ingestion and lots of LOVE!
Though the last is not a prerequisite for survival, it is by far what we most remember in our lives.
On the subject of love, there is one person, one story that stands out for me. I write about a friend with whom I have had the great fortune to reconnect. She recently visited me and while sharing our thoughts and past experiences, I asked her if she wanted children. She explained that she was not yet ready but with a slight hesitation proceeded to share an amazing love story.
She explained that her dearest friend had attempted numerous times to conceive for over two years but her effort was futile as her eggs were not fertile. One evening while conversing with her friend and perhaps having shared one glass of wine too many, she blurted out, “you should use my eggs”. Her best friend immediately responded in delight and acceptance at which time she realized the magnitude of her offer. She back tracked just a bit and asked her to please allow her some time to deeply reflect on the implications of this act. She told me that she took the time she needed and reflected on the thousands of thoughts that I would imagine someone would think of, if confronted with such a decision.
Could she watch this child, flesh of her flesh, grow up and not claim her? Could she keep to such a promise? My friend took the time she needed and made good on her word.
The fertilized eggs were implanted into her friend’s womb. They waited to see if they took to the uterus and lived on and they did! For thirty seven weeks her friend and mother to be, nurtured, loved and sustained the life and gift that was given to her. As time ensued, these friends had the opportunity to settle both emotionally and psychologically into their chosen and respective roles. As the babes grew, so did their bond.
Before me, two years after the fact, sits this incredible lady, who is the now the Godmother to two precious children and her best friend, the proud mother of two beautiful girls. As she told me her story, I could not help but cry tears of great joy for I witnessed in her the most immense generosity and unselfish love. She was not sure if having children was her path but could not deny this joy to someone else whose pursuit of such desire she had so personally seen. She would love these babies as her nieces and be grateful for their lives.
There is one last thing I must share; as if in an act of gratitude from Heaven above or perhaps the unconscious, unspoken ties of blood, these little baby girls were born, none other than, their Godmother’s birthday.
Leave a Reply