"Well, we can..." I said shyly, "but at this point, nothing is really planned"
Many more questions were asked, people shuffled around, per a normal lunch in the kitchen at work. I shared what we currently had in the nursery.
"A crib, mattress, and small dresser. Thats all required for approval," I shared. "Also, on Saturday a package came with a refill container to a diaper genie. We don't have the diaper genie yet, but we have a refill!
A few people seemed surprised by what we had, or lack there of and the shortage of plans. It was hard to communicate too directly, but I wasn't going to plan my own baby shower. Up until then, I had been pretty clear with our church coordinator about our needs and we just hadn't gotten too much in response. We were confident all along the way that many people would rally around us, but it did start to feel like things were creeping up as this was mid December and our hope was to be approved in Jan (so we could potentially bring a child home then too!)
Little did I know what was in store, both that day and the days to come.
I left work that day with two things on the calendar. A shower planned by those in the office for early Jan, and another shower planned by mom and sister for mid Jan. It was much more than feeling like 'help was on the way,' it was a showering of love expressed by planning, gifts, time, encouragement, and being there for us. Much was to come in those two days!
When I arrived home, there was a package by the door. Upon opening it, I discovered the diaper genie. Although it seems simple, that felt so symbolic to me. It was as if to be reminded that things would come together, and so it did!
Monday night is the night of our community group, and this happened to be our Christmas party celebration. When we walked in (with cups and ice...because they wouldn't let us bring anything, sneaky sneaky!) I just jumped into conversation and didn't think too much about it. A few minutes into being there, Holly said that the evening was really a celebration for the Smiths, and was a surprise shower!!! Really!?! We shifted into the living room and opened a few gifts, I was still in shock. This morning, nothing was on the books and I was curious how things would come together. By evening, we had finished a shower and had two more to come. It was such a rich blessing for more than just D and I.
As I've thought of our child to be, I've hurt so badly for them. Their life is starting out by being unwanted, getting the leftovers, and a bad start. They deserve the best, a fresh start, and a clean slate. These days felt like that. It felt like a celebration of them, a joyous occasion of their life. I'm all for hand-me-downs and used items, but there was something special and deserved about new. It communicates something.
After having spent that Monday morning reflecting for a few hours on my life to come, it sure was special to reflect on God's goodness on Tuesday. He is in control of all things, I shall never doubt.
The other two showers were nothing short of amazing, special, honoring, humbling, detail oriented, and unique. They are days I will never forget preparing to be a mom. It serves as a constant and tangible reminder of the many people we have in our life who will be here to help us, support us and encourage us as we seek to raise this child up to love others and love God. Many thanks!
Blessings
and D
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