So my downstairs neighbors and really good friends just gave birth to their first child yesterday, a little boy. After we got off from work, my boyfriend and I went to see them that evening in the hospital, to make sure they were doing well and of course, to see their new arrival.
I have to say, it was probably one of the most unexpectedly wonderful experiences I've ever had in my life. There he was, plump and perfect, his skin soooo silky-soft and pink, snug in his baby turban or whatever it is they wrap newborns in. Holding him in my arms, feeling his warm weight, watching him yawn and place his thumb in his mouth, was almost surreal. I remember the night our friends told us they were expecting, how surprised and happy we were for them, and then brainstorming later on for the perfect baby shower gifts. But yesterday, actually seeing their child, really just made everything hit home for me. I was literally breathless and on the verge of tears by the time I gave him back to his father. I never thought I would have been so moved by the whole ordeal.
I suppose my confession is that, meeting their son was something of an epiphany for my life. This is the first time I've actually witnessed people close to me become parents. Seeing their son, his face a beautiful mixture of their own facial features, opened up a part of my heart that I never knew needed light. I realized how much I've taken the idea of parenting for granted. Before, I just sort of looked at parenting with this hey-no-big-deal attitude; after all, I reasoned, almost anyone can become a parent, it's done all over the world and throughout history, there are million of kids out there, whatever, who cares.
But I don't feel that way anymore. I think this is the first time I've honestly touched on understanding what it means to be a parent, to create a life and a feel a love so strong and deep, to the very core of your being. Seeing the way my friends looked at their new son, with expressions of such love that I have never seen before, took my breath away. It literally just knocked the cynic right out of me. I can finally see what the BIG DEAL is, and why so many people wax poetic about taking this step in their lives. It's like seeing a totally new, undiscovered future in front of you. It was…so amazing.
I honestly don't think I've had a viewpoint change so radically in such a short period of time - and feel a better person because of it, because, looking back, I realize what a very limited and ultimately juvenile attitude I used to hold regarding parenting. It really is one of the most wonderful, extraordinary, life-changing events that can happen to a person. I just don't think I've ever fully appreciated it until now.