First Word 31

Hey, I need to see you,’ Pat (Let’s call her that) tells me over the phone. ‘Sure. Can we meet in the evening?’ ‘No. I need to see you now!’ She asserts, throwing me into a slight panic. The finality in her tone washes over the anxiety about the pile of deadlines piling up on my office desk, and adorns me with fear. So I say, ‘Okay. Let’s meet at my office.’

30 minutes later she is seated at my reception, her hands on her lap, foot tapping frantically and her gaze in the distance. I put on a calm expression and approach her. She stands up nervously in response to my greeting and goes on to say, ‘Hey … I have issues.’ ‘Mhm,’ I say. It has never taken so much effort to wear a calm front. I listen to the endless silence as Pat rubs her wrist, her gaze remaining fixated beyond the window. Keeping calm still remains the most divine thing to do. ‘I think I am pregnant,’ she finally says.

I want to jump out of my shoes in joy. I throw my arms around her and manage to squeak an ‘l-am-so-happy-for-you!’ through the happy teary lump that is growing in my throat. Pat is more than surprised at my gesture. I can see that her disclosure is relieving her from her prior misgivings: no job and young marriage. From my ‘been there’ perspective, I know no one ever gets very ready, and babies are MARVELOUS.

Babylove Network is keen on celebrating your getting-into-motherhood and making that nine-month journey the best time of your life.

END: PG 31/5