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Marking time...

2/17/2017

7 Comments

 
by Gwendolyn M Plano
Picture
     Have you noticed that mothers mark time by the birth of their children? They remember where they lived, world events and simple things like which movies were in the theaters – by the baby they were holding at that time. So pivotal is the birth of a child, that time itself changes to a before and after experience.

The births of my children were spread across 15 years. Like all mothers, I can describe when and where I went into labor, and how I felt when my baby was laid in my arms the first time. These experiences are stored in a mother’s heart like coveted jewels kept in a safe. We retrieve them at birthdays, at family gatherings, or whenever our son or daughter comes to mind. Unlike other memories, these precious moments don’t grow dusty with time.

When I look across the terrain of my child-rearing years, I realize I lost dreams and discovered new ones, I knew despair but found faith, I was invisible and then stood in the spotlight. I lived in a dozen or so places and taught in a variety of schools – all during those important 15 years.

Nothing stands still. The before of birth with swollen belly and discomfort, isn’t the after of diapers and cries and kisses and cuddles. One extended moment and everything changes.

Moms mark time by the birth of their children, because life as they knew it irreversibly changed. In a way, birth is the quintessential example of the before and after of time, of change expected or not, of life moving forward - with or without us.
​
How do you mark time? 


7 Comments
John Howell link
2/19/2017 07:14:00

What a lovely way to mark time, Gwen. You have certainly been blessed over the fifteen year period. Looking at your children's pictures today from past posts, it is clear they have given you years of joy as you have given them the love and nourishment to thrive. Beautiful post.

Reply
Gwen Plano
2/19/2017 07:27:13

Thank you, John. Your comment means a lot to me. Blessings...

Reply
John Fioravanti link
2/19/2017 08:04:27

A very beautiful post so eloquently written! I think it is wonderful that these cherished memories remain sharply clear over your lifetime!

Reply
Gwen Plano
2/20/2017 04:53:21

Thank you, John. I always appreciate your insights...

Reply
Jan Sikes link
2/19/2017 10:46:40

As a mother, I too mark time by things that happened with my children and now it's the grandchildren. Prisoners sometimes mark time by physically making marks on the wall. Everyone seems compelled to mark it in some way. I enjoyed this post, Gwen.

Reply
Gwen Plano
2/20/2017 04:54:29

Thank you, Jan. I think you are right - we mark time by key events in our lives. :)

Reply
Mae Clair link
2/20/2017 11:29:45

Beautiful thoughts and a beautiful post, Gwen. I love the photos of you and your children. The joy shines through in each one of them.

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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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