I got to hold a baby this week. One of my dearest friends--a woman who has been a stand-up auntie for my own daughters in a million tiny, creative ways--told me she was pregnant in the before times. I imagined all the ways I would repay her purple-iced cupcakes and last minute school pick-ups and delicious salads and soups. I imagined showing up as soon as she was back from the hospital and swooping the babe out of her arms when she was done nursing so she could drink a jar of water, go to the bathroom, cry on the couch. I wanted to be a soft, unconditionally loving place to land. Mothers need layers of mothers, I’ve learned. Mothers on mothers on mothers on mothers.
This is really beautiful. I want someone to put me in an Ergo and take me to a museum...Also, not to Byron Katie you, but also is the "oh I've missed you" directed as well to a version of yourself? I am finding that these days.
I wish you hadn’t mentioned my book so I could be objectively believed when I say this is my favorite post. This. Layers of mothers and missing everyone (everything) we don’t yet know but verily perceive in our wildest, most courageous dreams. Mary and I were at a playground the other day and I just suddenly, unabashedly felt/said: I feel so excited about the future. This post is what I meant. All of us broken and then breaking through.
My first grandchild was born March 28. I remember feeling thankful that my son, her father, was able to be with his wife for the birth of his child. I shall get on a plane this Friday and travel to meet my nearly 7 month old granddaughter. Meanwhile my son had a full six months with his newborn each and everyday and that is the silver lining that has helped me cope. Your post is timely and touches me so very deeply. It feels like I have lived a lifetime since March.
Thank you Courtney. This feels so true. Touch so necessary. And the part about what we may be missing with strangers. I've thought a lot about that too! The feel of a babe in arms...nothing quite like it.
I love your writing so much, Courtney. Every week, I want to hit the subscribe button. I have been out of work since March, but I’ve begun my own writing-for-tips venture at Patreon, so I understand what you are trying to do. No one should write for free, especially when her insights are priceless. Be well and enjoy that baby love.
I want to hold a baby. And so many other things. And I just ordered your brother's book of poetry. Cause while there are many things I can't have right now, more Martin juju in my life is something I can have (and I deeply need).
This is really beautiful. I want someone to put me in an Ergo and take me to a museum...Also, not to Byron Katie you, but also is the "oh I've missed you" directed as well to a version of yourself? I am finding that these days.
Add me to the layers of mothers. I saw the photo and experienced the sensory delight that baby's feet offer. I too miss her.
I wish you hadn’t mentioned my book so I could be objectively believed when I say this is my favorite post. This. Layers of mothers and missing everyone (everything) we don’t yet know but verily perceive in our wildest, most courageous dreams. Mary and I were at a playground the other day and I just suddenly, unabashedly felt/said: I feel so excited about the future. This post is what I meant. All of us broken and then breaking through.
My first grandchild was born March 28. I remember feeling thankful that my son, her father, was able to be with his wife for the birth of his child. I shall get on a plane this Friday and travel to meet my nearly 7 month old granddaughter. Meanwhile my son had a full six months with his newborn each and everyday and that is the silver lining that has helped me cope. Your post is timely and touches me so very deeply. It feels like I have lived a lifetime since March.
Thank you Courtney. This feels so true. Touch so necessary. And the part about what we may be missing with strangers. I've thought a lot about that too! The feel of a babe in arms...nothing quite like it.
I love your writing so much, Courtney. Every week, I want to hit the subscribe button. I have been out of work since March, but I’ve begun my own writing-for-tips venture at Patreon, so I understand what you are trying to do. No one should write for free, especially when her insights are priceless. Be well and enjoy that baby love.
I want to hold a baby. And so many other things. And I just ordered your brother's book of poetry. Cause while there are many things I can't have right now, more Martin juju in my life is something I can have (and I deeply need).