I picked up this meme from Border Explorer.
I am to go to the 6th folder of my photograph files and pick the 6th photo in that file, then write about it. Above is the photo and below are my thoughts.
I remember a time when I let my body lean in to my mom's, unapologetically snuggling up to feel her warmth and assurance. When my mom's arms were around me, the whole world was safe.
I remember, too, the sensation of my children against my grown woman's body. Somehow, their dependence on me gave me the strength and courage to be a mother even though I worried that I was inadequate at the task. Not much prepares one for such a huge responsibility.
I still have dreams of caring for small children. Sometimes in my dreams, I'm nursing my baby, and the feeling is as real as it was those days 20+ years ago when my body gave nutrients to my son and daughter. Those dreams are heaven on earth. No experience in my life has surpassed the beauty of the moments of breastfeeding my two beautiful miracles.
Maybe those dreams come because I no longer lean against my mother's warm body for strength. And no children are leaning against mine. And a part of me yearns for both of those times.
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This photo was taken almost exactly a year ago. The sculpture is part of the Chapungu exhibit that was displayed throughout the Denver Botanic Gardens last year.
