And in listening to women- other mothers- react to this verdict; it became so clear that the threads which make up motherhood are a common, shared experience. No matter where you come from, what language you speak or religion you practice, being a mother is just that. The intense love you never knew you could feel. The desire to protect them until your last breath. The dreams you have for their future. (And yes, I realize that I am generalizing and that there are mothers who do not feel this way.)
In another headline grabbing case, a 12 year old girl was kidnapped and kept in a locked, backyard shed for 18 years. I watched a part of Jaycee Dugard's interview this week. I found myself with tears running down my face. She was asked what it was like to give birth alone in that backyard. She said it was painful but that that the baby was "perfect" and she knew she'd do anything to protect her. Her birth experience and mine could not have been more different but it illustrates how becoming a mother has common threads. We both think our babies are perfect and we would both do anything to protect them.
So, Grace... my beautiful, perfect, protected baby... Mommy's heart has changed forever. It is fuller with love than I could have ever imagined. But it is also full of worry and wonder about what lies ahead for you. As I mull over my feelings, I take comfort in knowing that I'm not alone in this journey of motherhood. There are so many mothers who have gone before and have offered me - and continue to offer me- great wisdom for the road ahead. May we all cherish the every moment we are given with our children... like the one in this beautiful Independence Day sunset in this picture.
