A few days ago, funny timing really, I read an article about the exchange of cells between mother and child. Somehow scientists have demonstrated that little bits of the child stay with the mother, deep in her brain, long after birth. Actual cells. Microscopic but very real physical remnants of her offspring are hidden away in her body, protected and preserved forever in the deep and mysterious folds of her brain. The amniotic connection may end shortly after birth, but the real connection lasts forever.
I could have told them that. I could have told them, albeit without the autopsy, that she never lives a day of her life without thinking of her children and wishing desperately for them to know her thoughts. Feeling them like slender ghosts in her arms. Hearing their clear, sweet voices or smelling their sunshiny hair, counting their pearly teeth. That no matter how she manages to fill her expansive days (out of desperation, never preference), nothing compares to time with them and no worldly peace measures up to knowing they are safe and happy.
I am so glad science now knows that the mother and child are never really separated. But I could have told them.
XOXOXOXO
So true. I don’t think our children fully understand and value the bond until they have children of their own. I love seeing all of the beautiful drawings and paintings your girls have done all over your house. It inspires me to do the same so I can always have pieces of them with me even when they aren’t home. Love you!!!!
You’re right. I thought I knew it all until I learned (felt) so much more. Thank you Marci. Thank you for seeing them through my eyes although you have never known them (yet). Thank you for being such a great friend. xo
Never forget, my dear, that this all goes the other way too. No matter how we are separated from our mothers, a piece of them is always in us. We always want our mothers to be happy, even when we’re in that stage where we think our mothers are stupid and selfish (gosh, don’t we all think that at some point?!). We don’t always realize it, but our mother’s love and peace washes over us, sometimes when we least expect it. We always see her example and regardless of whether we want to, we often follow it.
At least until we realize it’s leading us to trashy novels and soap operas. Then we still follow it, but we’re less obvious about it. 😉
They look exactly like you. A beautiful post.
New to your blog. Divorce is so hard on everyone. I don’t think parents realize exactly how hard it is on their children. I say this from true experience. Your girls are beautiful and I pray for their peace.