Notes to my unborn child

Under the guise of birth, 

we die. We are born into a reality 

we didn't choose to be our own and 

our protection stops with our first 

breath. While this may be a mere 

statement of fact, how we move 

forward says more about who we

are than our memories. 

Speaking of memories, 

there will be good times, and there will 

be bad. These are not moments to be 

picked over and sorted, they are the 

very makings of ourselves. Each emotion 

painstakingly stitched into the liner of 

invisible fleece blankets that we wear as 

a second skin. Embrace yourself, my dear, 

learn to accept and to enjoy who you are.

On acceptance, 

it can be difficult to come by, especially 

when it comes to yourself. Society today 

is all about being politically correct and 

being all inclusive. Forget about everything 

it tells you. Goodness isn't measured in 

how many minorities you manage not to 

offend, it is about how many people you 

accept and treat with understanding. And 

while  saying 'put yourself first' sounds selfish, 

remember that love is harder to receive than 

to give. And I will love you with everything. 

Your father will, too. In fact, we do already.

On being selfless, 

this goes hand in hand with acceptance. Life

is not about pity, but about survival. You are 

strong. and while I pray you will never have 

to face what I have faced, you will survive 

just the same. Through hardship and 

uncertainty, you will persevere. I know you 

will, because even though I haven't truly 

met you, I still know you. You are mine, and 

I would give my life for you even now, before 

a stranger's glance knows of your existence. 

Uncertainty --

it will always be around, but you 

can choose how to face it. I hope 

you realize you can stand against 

it, raise your fist and fight through 

to the other side. I won't be able 

to tell you how long it will last, 

but I promise I will be here to 

help you through.

When it comes to fights, 

pick yours wisely. Now, I understand that 

when you are young and naive, some of 

your biggest concerns will be why the dog 

is playing with YOUR toy when you want 

to play with it (or maybe it started out as 

the dog's toy...), but as you get older, try

to recognize what is worth fighting for. 

Stand up for what is right, that's what I'll 

teach you. But, try to see things from more 

than one perspective. I know that doing so

will help you in more ways than one.

Perspective... 

this is one thing I can't teach you; one thing

that you will have to learn for yourself. 

My darling, 

from birth you will be thrust into this cold 

world. You will die with your first breath, 

but I will teach you how to live again. Take 

my words, run with them, and be free.

Author's Note

Oprihory (sort of)

Reviews

[JayceeC]

Mariah,
This is a beautiful to read as it was to hear you read. I was not writing when I was pregnant with my children. It is a curious thought as to what I would have written to them. I can only hope it would be a wise and as lovely and personal as this poem is to your child.
I can only say that children open the doorway to new emotions and you will never be short of things to write. There is much joy and heartache in your future. It comes with the title of "Mom" Congratulations, and hugs. Definitely want to know when the little squirmer gets here, but I'm sure you will let us know on WOPM. Jan aka jaycee