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“Isn’t she Beautiful?”

(Five minute Friday)


Time for Five minute Friday, linking with Lisa Jo Baker.

  • Write for five minutes.
  • Post without editing.
  • Prompt: beautiful

“Isn’t she Beautiful?” he asked me.

Honestly, I wondered if we were looking at the same baby?

The one before me was thin and very long; 3 1/2 pounds stretched out over 17 inches. Perhaps my vision was clouded by my guilt.

Couldn’t I even do this right?

Just a couple weeks ago when a nurse checked me out she remarked, “Kline.”

With my limited understanding, I knew that meant small.

And somehow she didn’t grow. She was born by emergency C-section, unable to go through a normal birthing process.

And while other moms held their infants I held a little polaroid Mike snapped before she was whisked away to another hospital 40 minutes away.

Finally, I got to visit her. To leave my hospital and come here. Looking at my sweetheart I still feel responsible for her low birth-weight.

No, I didn’t smoke. I did everything by the book. But I still felt guilty.

I stroked her skin through the little opening in the incubator. I told her I’d be back.

“Can we just wait till she falls asleep?” I asked. I visited her hospital for two months before we got to bring her home. The German doctors require the babies be at least 6 pounds.

Finally, they put her in my waiting arms. My mask drenched from tears unstoppable. I looked down at the blessing she was.

So small and so long.

How could I love someone this small so much?

I smiled. Mike was right. Jessica was beautiful.

And she still is, 27 years later.

 

Photo courtesy Michael Peterson – proud daddy.

Anne Peterson

Hi, my name is Anne Peterson. For me, writing is like breathing! Life is hard. I write words to make it softer. I am a poet, speaker, and published author. I also collaborate with my daughter, Jessica, who produces whimsical art that draws the reader in, young and old alike. Of all my titles, my favorite is “Grandma.”
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This Post Has 30 Comments

  1. Tracy Stella November 18, 2014 Reply

    Beautiful, Anne

  2. tammyidobelieve July 8, 2013 Reply

    She is Beautiful! I too felt guilt when my daughter was born almost a month early. It’s good that you’ve been able to share this with others.

    1. annepeterson July 8, 2013 Reply

      Tammy,

      Thanks for reading and for your comment. It’s funny how guilt gets a hold of us and squeezes, isn’t it?

  4. Caryn Christensen July 6, 2013 Reply

    Babies are so fresh from heaven…how could they NOT be beautiful! Your “baby” girl is precious!

    1. annepeterson July 6, 2013 Reply

      Caryn,

      Thanks for reading. And you’re right, she is precious. Even now as an adult.

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