I had intended to show a picture of the first time I held my son after giving birth. Sadly, I only have one picture of that moment. One over-exposed and faded picture to be exact. To such an extent that my face blends in with the white sheets and pillows I am laying on. And as far as the baby goes, unless I told you I was holding a baby you wouldn’t know. Of course, there were valid reasons for only taking one picture. Exhaustion being the primary reason because it was close to midnight by the time the baby was born.
We figured we could take more pictures the next day. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned the next day. First, our baby wasn’t thriving and needed a G-tube. Then we were informed the baby may have a genetic disorder. Needless to say, taking pictures was not on our minds that day.
Things calmed down the day after but our focus was on making sure the baby came home with us. So much so, we forgot all about taking pictures. Now 25 years later, the one picture I have can’t even be used.
What have I learned?
Take time to treasure perfect moments. Holding my son for the first time was a perfect moment. We don’t have the best picture of that moment but it was perfect. Everything was as it should be. I was just a mom holding my beautiful baby boy for the first time. I was so amazed at how perfect he looked and thankful he was all mine. The very next day things would change but at that moment all was good.
Life with a child with a disability isn’t always easy. As moms, we are always “on”. Even if the kids are not with us physically, they are always in the back of our minds, ready to come to the forefront at a moment’s notice. But in the hustle and bustle of taking care of our kids, let’s not forget to treasure perfect moments. Otherwise, they may slip by unnoticed in the busyness of the day.
So no matter how hectic it gets, take a moment each day and savor the chaos that is your world. Be thankful your children are alive. Be thankful you have a roof over your head. Be thankful there is food on the table. Be thankful there are clothes to wear. Pause and savor these moments because they are perfect. Treasure them always for no one knows what tomorrow may bring.