Twenty-eight years ago today I gained 7 lbs and 6 oz.
Actually, I lost 7 lbs and 6 oz (literally) and the world gained it in the form of baby who would one day go beyond the confines of her own country and touch other parts of her planet.
August 17, 1985. The day my life changed forever. I became a mother for the first time.
I remember seeing the remnants of life in the womb all over her beautiful, crying face and thinking I had never seen anything more lovely. More magical. Life from inside of me now on the outside looking at me with huge newborn eyes.
I’m sure my eyes were open just as wide in wonder of this precious girl. As I held her for the first time, tears rolling down my face, having no clue what to do next, she just stared into my eyes with the full and vulnerable trust unique only to a newborn.
Janay, you made me a mama.
Everything I had ever dreamed of came true that day. For the first time I knew the inexplicable love that only a mother can possess. I understood the fierce protector that had laid dormant inside me until I saw your face. I knew what it meant to risk life and limb to love another human being with everything in me. Seeing your little face changed every priority I ever had, made every little detail of life have more meaning and depth.
And all that happened before I even left the delivery room.
Sissy, thank you for making me a mom.
And thank you for not being satisfied to just so amazingly change my world, but for being so willing to change the world around you as well. I am thrilled beyond measure that 7 lb 6 oz bundle of joy is now taking that joy to other nations. That what you did to change the life of your 21-year-old mother, has morphed into how you will now help change the lives of other 21-year-olds who so need your love, compassion and help.
My heart celebrates this day as a historical event. The day a baby came from a girl and made that girl a woman.
I love you from my insides out. You still bring me the greatest joy and wonder every day of my life.
Happy Birthday, my sweet girl, my life-changer.
You amaze me…
