Motherly Musings

In 1982, I became a mother for the first time. The year was filled with wonder and trepidation at the same time. I grew more excited every day, as I watched my body evidence the changes that were taking place. At the same time, I was conscious that this was a new road, a road that I had no training for. I had baby-sat as a teenager, and I had watched other young moms handle their children, so I had spectator information at best. Pretty soon, I would be the guardian of one little life, and the task seemed enormous. Of course, by this time it was too late to turn back the clock.

The happy day came in May. I remember the awe and pleasure at seeing the perfectly formed child in my arms. My now grown daughter likes to say of her children, that she ‘made them from scratch.’ As the days passed in quick succession, his father and I were immersed by fire into the day-to-day challenge that is parenthood. With no license, no training, and no experience, the job of caring for and molding a small human was a monumental assignment. Of course, I had ‘how to’ books, parental advise, and my own intuition, but most days those three guides were in conflict with each other.

The days turned into weeks, turned into months, turned into years. Today, I am proud to call my children my best friends. They are no more children in that they require no parenting. They have grown into amazingly responsible adults, who are making positive contributions in their circles of influence. As very often happens, today I was able to spend a few moments on the phone with them, hearing about their successes and their plans. Their futures are bright. As I hang up the phone, I remember the words of my dear friend Pat. Pat and I talk regularly, but at infrequent intervals. She is a wealth of knowledge, and encouragement. As I mused about the successes and futures of my children, I smiled. I heard Pat tell me that my ‘bones were fat.’

This reference comes from Proverbs 15:30: The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

Until next time, enjoy your children. It is my prayer that you only hear good reports, and ‘your bones are fat!’

Dr. Polly