Strength

I talked to Ruthie today and continued to say "If you come to Alaska..." throughout our phone conversation. When I finally explained my "if" attitude - that Dad had kept his commitment in reserve - Ruthie said "Oh - your Dad! There's no if!"

With the upcoming arrival of this new baby, I need maternal support.

I'm such a lucky girl - I've got two mothers!

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it many more times before my journey is through:
Having four parents has been a blessing in every single aspect of my life. I wish I could share my good fortune. For I have four parents who love me, have raised me well, and have respect for me as a person.

The only time I ever feel like having four parents is a burden is when I have one spot to fill and four eager folks to fill it.


Enter Mom and Ruthie. :D

Thinking ahead on this baby and what I want and what I need and who I need to be here - I realized that I want very much to have this life-altering experience with both my Moms. Kellie came so early that my Mom's presence was a much-needed calm after a storm. We'd missed out on the experience of shared childbirth but her soothing words and motherly wisdom were a welcome buoy in the raging storm of early parenting.

Then Tara and her loving nature brought us that experience we'd missed. We were blessed to be able to share Isabella's birth through the generosity of my little sister. Isabella's labor and delivery was such a warm and happy time. I'm overjoyed that I was able to be such a big part of those moments with my Mom and Tara.

All this got me thinking about childbirth. See, I have two Moms. One by birth and one by choice. Ruthie has been a Mom to me for more than half my life. The connection one feels when a new life is brought into this world is overwhelming. Joyous. Monumental. Unforgettable. I got to have that with my Mom. I want that with my Ruthie!

My Mom and I talked about all of this - as we tend to talk about everything under the sun. My Mom is gracious. Her support and understanding in my strong desire to share my childbirth experience with Ruth is astounding. I am grateful for her open heart. I do not feel as though this time sharing is begrudged in any way. While I know for a fact that she would love to be by my side through all the ups and downs labor and delivery can bring, I also know that she sees great value in my growing personal strength. Having a stronger relationship with Ruthie will not break anything we've spent a lifetime creating.

It can only make me stronger.

Us stronger.

All three of us - me and my two Moms - stronger.


Man. Now I'm crying. Lame-oh hormones.