Live

Once upon a time, there lived a young woman. She was tall with soft blue eyes and wispy blonde hair. She was married to a nice young man. He was less tall and had almond brown eyes and hazelnut curls to match. They lived in a tiny home in a tiny town, and they were happy. One day, as the woman was standing in her kitchen, placing flowers into a vase, she had a thought. It occurred to her, this dreamy thought, that perhaps something was missing. She pictured in her mind a child running through a field, and heard the faint sounds of laughter echoing. "A baby," she whispered softly. Her eyes glistened with a spark of hope. Soon, the young woman and young man were met with a miracle- a sweet baby boy. He had soft red hair and light speck freckles. As the man and the woman held their baby and hushed him to sleep, they smiled toward one another. There together, in their tiny home, with their tiny baby, they were happy. One day, not much longer after, the young woman was outside, watering her garden, when a thought washed over her. She had a thought of a bright and rainy day. The sun was peeking behind the clouds, and a rainbow was shining brightly. There were puddles scattered faintly across the ground, and light bounced from one object to the next. This time, the woman heard first the faint shrieks of laughter and then saw in her mind a child leaping cheerfully into the puddles, sending bursts of water splashing all around. The woman smiled to herself, with the same soft glint in her eyes. Many days passed. The young woman and young man were met with sad news. Their baby was asleep. The young woman and young man were beside themselves. Again and again, the news was the same. Many more days passed. One evening, while standing by the window, the young woman looked up. She clasped her hands together firmly and shut her eyes. She took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. "Please, please let my baby live. Let her live," she whispered with fierce determination. The young woman walked down the hall to where her little boy sat waiting next to his father. Father and mother gingerly kissed the boy goodnight and tucked him in safe and sound. The next morning, the woman felt a familiar feeling inside- hope. She greeted the day with an optimistic possibility. Each day following, she grew more and more confident. Hope was growing inside her. Then, one day, as she was walking along, hand in hand with her husband, she felt something inside move. She let out a little peep. "What is it?" her husband asked. The woman softly pressed her hand to her belly and quietly smiled. Eyes glistening in the bright sunlight, the man and woman embraced one another. That warm afternoon, they got the news- another seedling was growing in the woman's belly. The man and woman were overjoyed. The man gently touched her belly. "Hello, in there," he whispered. "You are strong," he said. The man then held his wife in his arms and kissed her atop the head. That night little boy was inquisitive. "What will she be like?" he asked. "She will be kind and clever," said the mother. "Where will she sleep?" he asked. "In her crib," said the father. "Will she like me?" he asked. "Very much," they said. The little boy was quiet for a moment. "Will you love her?" "Yes," they said. "And... will you still love me?" The mother and father looked at each other. The father knelt down. "Of course," he said, extending an arm over the little boy's shoulders. "Do you want to know a secret?" he asked his son. The little boy nodded. "Your Mommy and I have loved you since before you were even born." "You have?" he asked. "Yes," said his mother. "And, that will never change. Having a baby will only add more love. The baby will grow, and as she does, she will learn to love you very much, more as each day passes, and you will love her too." "And," she added, "Mommy and Daddy could never stop loving you." The little boy smiled, comforted by this thought. "Okay," he said yawning. The man and woman tucked him in and shut off the light. Some more days passed, and finally, the mother's words had come true. The young man and the young woman were met with another wonderful miracle- a little baby girl. She was lovely in every way. "She's perfect!" the little boy cried happily. He stood tall, proud to be a big brother. The baby girl had soft strawberry locks and sweet golden freckles. Her giggles were gentle, and her eyes sparkled with joy to be surrounded by all the familiar voices of those who loved her. The man and woman shut their eyes and held their family close together in a warm embrace. Gentle tears strolled down their cheeks and rolled onto her nose. "Live," the young woman whispered, "Welcome home." Dedicated to Liv Tiny bundle, sweet and warm Little angel kisses Together weathering the storm Soft and gentle wishes Breathing, living, here you are! Can it really be? For in my arms you bring such joy Laughing happily