4.09.2011

Forgive me and thank you

Today, we went to a baby shower.

It was your typical baby shower...

Food, cake, and punch...
gifts wrapped in pastel paper...
oohs and aahs at tiny baby clothes.

But it was different too.

It was for 14 women I had never met.
Woman and families that have less than me...
less than anyone I know.

Their lives have been a lot harder than most.
There basic needs have not always been met.

I was nervous on our way to the shower.
Nervous about having something to say.

I was also judging.
Thinking and assuming.
Education and lifestyle choices.
Adoption and birth control.

Eva - B&W

We had a lot to talk about.
They were mommies...
just like me.

Some of there little ones were already here...
lighting up their eyes and snuggling in their arms.

Some bellies were huge.
Being rubbed and patted.

One mom received a pack-n-play.
She was really excited to use it.

Not to travel with or keep downstairs...
but just to have a better place for her little one to sleep...
because she didn't have a crib.

She was close to her due date and had made up a spot, just-in-case.
It was a laundry basket.

The thing that shook me the most.
More than that...
was that everyone was so happy.

Not one single time did I hear a complaint...
no grumbles or sadness.
Not one negative thing.

Ok, one mommy - 38 weeks pregnant with twin boys - said...
Oh my back hurts... it is killing me.

My back hurt looking at her...
and she even said that with a smile.

It was all joy, happiness and love.
Excitement, gratitude and celebration.

Eva got tired at the end.
She was fussing and hard to handle.

I couldn't help but to silently ask for forgiveness.
Over and over...
for the judging and assuming.

Also my gratitude.
Thankful, so very thankful.

I knew my grumpy, tired moster had a crib to go home and nap in.

Entering Paper Mama Photo Challenge: Black and White

7 comments:

Nikki said...

Wow. What an experience. A good reminder of how good we have it.

Kelly said...

Gosh, that had me tearing up. I definitely needed that reminder today. How often we forget to appreciate what we have. Thank you :)

Unknown said...

Hello, This is my first time reading your blog and I have really enjoyed it. I just started my blog and love doing it. I need to work on the page a little.

This post reminds me of how fortunate I am to have what we have and to always remember in our hearts and actions those who do not have the basic necessities of life. Thankfully we always have God to come to rescue us from our sinful nature. Thank you for this post.

thesweetestlovexoxo.blogspot.com

Moments and Impressions said...

Michael and I had just gone over our budget that morning. I was kinda pouty feeling about the fact that there were some "wants" that we didn't have the wiggle room for right now.

Then we went to the baby shower. I am certainly spoiled and it is good to be reminded of that.

kristance! said...

wow. that had me tearing up too. thanks for this post, nessa. i definatley needed that.

KMServino said...

Wow. How amazing. How did you hear about this shower? Was it a church event or something like that? There needs to be more things like this.

Charlotte | Life's a Charm! said...

such a powerful post! those women have great character not to complain and whine about their lives. this post reminds me to continue to live my life in humility, gratitude and celebration.

"Answer to the prayer of a man experiencing great trials: Be still and take it! . . . and learn patience, humility and gratitude." ~ unknown