ON THE EDGE OF GLORY

 

Tulip is sitting on the edge of glory about to give birth to her first.

About nine months ago she was in an aqua yoga class in the local swimming pool.  She was in a crouching position with her hands on her head, looking up, then closing her eyes. She felt something powerful radiate through her whole body. She knew then and there a whole new beginning was about to happen.  She could hardly wait to get home.  A seed had been planted.

Day after day that seed began to sprout. Roots were embedding themselves into the fertile soil beneath her naked feet. Eventually the sapling developed tiny arms that were at first weak, and slowly became stronger. She dug her toes firmly into the ground determined to help it grow more and more roots, and to reach its full potential — much like a successful pregnancy going through the stages of growth trying not to worry, but almost always wondering if she was doing enough.

 

After the first trimester, the seedling developed stronger arms and feet, and a body that widened and rounded in good proportion. The certified Doula checked in now and then, and gave glowing reports.

The growth journey included regular check-ups, and went remarkably well with little need for added intervention. Yes there were occasional stresses, occasional worries, occasional doubts; but, all of that was easily overshadowed by the anticipated positive outcome.

As the final month approached, many other ‘doulas’ showed up. They each had a job to do and they each stayed focused on their roles so that when the water broke, the birth of a new beginning would be in very good hands. 

By now the readers of this story are firmly seated. Some might even be perplexed. But, they are all most certainly wondering when that magical new birth date would be.  They want to be ready to raise a flute filled with Prosecco, and echo a jubilant “PROOST! to new beginnings.”

Tulip is on the edge of glory as she imagines the sweet sounds of Enya music preparing the zygote inside of her for a successful entry into the world. For her, nine months definitely passed by easily and quickly. The experience of producing something from inside of her has been moving and enlightening through every phase. The help, support and encouragement from family, friends and even complete strangers, all along the way, has been phenomenal. Would she do it all over again — absolutely. 

“Keep the cycle going,” she replies.

(Due date June 21, 2024)