Thursday, February 11, 2010

February 11th...

*9 years ago, i was almost 3 months pregnant with my only child. not being well versed in the pregnancy thing, i thought i'd learn a thing or two from my sister-in-law who was due to give birth any day. i actually had attended that first childbirth class but frankly they grossed me out so i never went back.

i asked my hubby to drop me off at the hospital. he asked me if i was sure and i insisted. before long, i joined my SIL in her hospital room. she informed me that the doctor said that it would be at least 4 more hours before any meaningful activity would take place. then she started talking about centimetres and dilating and stuff like that...lost me there. then out of nowhere, she started breathing all funny. i started to squirm as i watched her stuff crushed ice down her throat. i was definitely ready to leave. i decided i'd call my hubby to turn around and get me post haste.

that's when my SIL whispered through laboured breaths, "i think the baby is coming". the nurse assured me, i mean, my SIL that no such thing would happen because she wasn't ready yet. more centimetre talk followed. after a few moments of them going back and forth, the nurse said, "go ahead then and push." so my SIL pushed...and out popped a baby head! i stood in disbelief as the nurse directed ME of all people to push the red button. since there were only the three of us in the room, i guess that was a logical choice for this clearly knowledgeable nurse who moments earlier assured me no such thing would happen. she betta be glad i didn't faint because i was surely feeling nauseous. but somehow, miraculously, i made it over to the red button and i pushed it. medical personnel swarmed the room and within minutes, my nephew was safely delivered into this beautiful world. today, i celebrate his birthday with joy and a little bit of pride, knowing that i was integral part of that divine experience.

*a few years ago, on an otherwise ordinary day, i was hanging out with my friend BJ. my phone rang and i distinctly remember the shaky voice on the other line saying, "Doris. she's gone." it was all too surreal. as bravely as her 39-year-old body fought against breast cancer, JAH had other plans for her angelic soul. i accept that. it's been four years now and i still miss you Ms. Doris. every single day. but through this painful experience, i've gained a most treasured friend, her sister Vchelle. i love you to infinity, sisterfriend!

*today is also the wedding anniversary of a dear friend who epitomizes love in all its glory. She has taught me so much about love and life and i cannot thank her enough for extending her big heart to me. happy anniversary Empress Christina. you really mean the world to me. wishing you many, many more.

*20 years ago today, the iconic Nelson Mandela was released from a South African prison where he spent 27 years in captivity for his political stance against apartheid. i am moved by the incredible strength it must have taken to stand by his personal convictions in light of his persecution. i salute you Madiba.

*and finally, tomorrow will be a day of mourning in haiti to mark the one month anniversary of the devastating earthquake which has claimed over two hundred and thirty thousand (230,000) lives. the situation has only worsened since then. i pray for my brothers and sisters that tomorrow will be a better day. blessed love.

*as you can see, February 11th has been an ambivalent day for me historically. i continue to meditate, pray, and show love to others as much as i am able. i celebrate life, knowing that each day is a gift. may love find you wherever you are today. thank you all for always stopping by and leaving such kind words here. i appreciate you more than words can say.

one love.

25 comments:

PinkInklings said...

What a circle of life this day is for you! Funny how those babies still manage to suprise even the most seasoned veterans. Poignant the memories of how angels lead us to new friends. Your words honor the people you treasure. Thank you for sharing.

Cindy said...

Oh Se'lah, I am glad that you were there for the birth of your nephew, I have never had children and only once was I in a room where a friend of mine was having a baby. With my Cataplexy, every time she screamed I would fall, I told my husband soon I needed to be in bed beside her. I am glad I got to be there and see as much as I saw.....Sorry about your friend, glad you met her sister though. I keep praying for Haiti, it shakes me to my core every time I think about it. I will have to visit Empress Christina, You are very similar you know, all goodness and kind. Love to you both.

Toni said...

A beautiful post of love, life and loss, Se'Lah. That is the way of things.

Dawn said...

There are certain days which hold so much meaning and history for us, and when it rolls around again we find ourselves consumed with remembrance.
I am sorry you lost such a dear, young friend.
And I pray that the people of Haiti will be relieved of all this pain and suffering soon.
xo

Cathie said...

ohh lovely Se'lah, what a beautiful post, what wonderful events and some not wonderful at all.
hugs to you & sharing in your prayers & showing love to those around.
one love to you my friend

Birdie said...

your post shows us the way how life is, we welcome a new life & someone else has to departure ...I'm sorry for your loss. One door did close & another one has opened & you found a new friend .... And you are very brave for have assisted with a new life while you were pregnant, I cannot imagine I would have been able to be there :-P lovely post as always, warm hugs

Tracy said...

Love in all its form, all is joy... you are love, dear friend, Se'Lah :o) ((BIG HUGS))

The Bodhi Chicklet said...

An incredible amount happened on this one day in your life. It's hard to imagine it's been a month since Haiti - it really feels like yesterday.

Sherry said...

You discovered love in all it's forms on February 11th -- from birth to death to celebratory occasions...and the common theme throughout all of these is the love you feel in your own heart as you experienced these emotional milestones.

Remembering those who are with us still with joy; remembering those who are no longer with us, still with joy -- the joy of having been part of this world and living still in memories.

Cora said...

Wow....a lot going on in the anniversary department. Memories, memories..where would we be without the experiences of life. Loved with a smile on my face the story of your nephew being born :)
Sad times + happy times = the cycle of life.
Hugs...

Natty said...

Wow its incredible how a day can have so many meanings, I loved reading your post today*
Love,
Natty

PS: I wonder how you keep track of the dates, I totally forget them... But i want to start a journal and that way I may start remembering

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

Wonderful stories to share. So true of life itself ~ an intermingling of the bitter and the sweet.

Rosaria Williams said...

Lots to celebrate! Every moment is precious!

Connie said...

Peace, Love and Prayers!

still have Haiti very much on my mind...I worry most of all for the children and the elderly. Prayers for their wellbeing and donations offered.

I have the song from "The Lion King" running through my mind now..."The circle of life"

Be Well!

Elizabeth said...

We are just in it for love.

christina said...

so beautiful. the memories make this day more special.
Doris, you have connected us all, in such a beautiful way.
Jah is love~
Thank you, thank you.

libby said...

thank you so much for these honest and beautiful words. your heart is wide and open and open wide.
our days, our moments, are indeed a tremendous gift.
love love love.

Jac said...

Thank you Se'lah for sharing these words. It's hard to understand the way the world works; one day full of sorrow is another persons day of joy. It is strange how some days are filled with such meaning and memories, both good and bad, sadness that leads to joy and birth and death. I am glad you celebrate life and find the gifts in all that it offers us. I hope your day yesterday was filled with love just as you wished us. :)

margie said...

i love this post. i love knowing about you. xo

Gayle said...

The happiest of things and the saddest of things.

I love your image.

Wanda said...

Wow. Love. You.

AscenderRisesAbove said...

what a lovely photo; and sad words. so much in the world that we have no control of.

suzanna said...

This is all so beautiful. I love the way you write.

Oh, and the picture... wow!

Happy Valentine's!

SE'LAH... said...

What can say? GIVE THANKS for all your comments. I really enjoy hearing from you. one love friends.

sunnymama said...

Such a gorgeous picture to accompany your post which is filled with joy and sadness on such a special date.