Motherhood

Written for https://lindaghill.com/2023/11/24/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-25-2023/

When I held my daughter in my arms, I was never afraid for her safety. Mostly because she was much bigger than most of the babies on the ward. She weighed nine pounds one ounce. In the nineties, they kept mum’s in until their baby gained weight. Following a period of ten days, we left and parenting began with vengeance.

Being at home was frightening, and we were trying to recharge in between the minutes she actually rested. Each day closing with the thought we had to get up in a few hours. Months before she allowed us to sleep through the night there were more than bags under our eyes than Tesco’s.

Two years afterwards, we planned to have another. It was more like four, and our son was born. At nine-pounds ten ounces, he was tall more than he was wide. As expected, she was ever so slightly jealous. When we brought him back, she ordered us to return this little boy back where he came from.

When he was eighteen months, we found out about autism. It was as if someone had dulled the lights. We learnt a lot about the condition, and realised there were many levels. Low on the spectrum, he could live an independent life.

Growing up with this was challenging for her, but they are close, and they share a sibling bond. She uses the adult sister card occasionally; especially when persuading him to spend his money.

Having children is the best thing that has happened to me. True love is being a mum or a dad. I regret nothing. They are the reason I climb through the tough times. I want them to be as proud of me as I am of them.