I am very glad that Holly graciously consented to share her story here as my guest blogger. I love birth stories because each one is so unique, so special and so amazing. A new life is always a beautiful thing and it is truly a privilege to be a witness to it whether one is there in the moment or sharing the moment with the re-telling of the birth of one’s baby. I consider myself so fortunate to be a part of the start of so many lives throughout the years but I have to say none was more special or amazing as the birth of my grandchild…well, okay, the births of all of my children were just as amazing. Still I am awed by my daughter Holly after witnessing her give birth.
From the day that she first told me that she was pregnant and that she was choosing to have her baby, I promised her that I would always be there to support her through the whole thing. Parenting is hard…freakin’ hard, with a partner. I can’t imagine how much harder it is when one chooses to go it alone. Hazel’s father has waffled between not wanting any part of this “inconvenient event” to being involved in a very passive way so it seems that Holly is raising her child alone. I can’t be prouder of Holly for accepting this responsibility no matter how hard or inconvenient it might seem. But as I promised her last September, she really isn’t alone as she and her daughter are surrounded by and always will be surrounded by people who love them both and who will always be here for both of them. We are a circus act and, well, a circus act always performs together.
Over the last few months, weeks, days I have watched my daughter become a grown-up. I recall that I never really felt “grown-up” until the day that I realized that I was a mother and I had a daughter. I have seen that metamorphosis with Holly. Like all parents, she has sacrificed and challenged herself in ways that a year ago she would have never imagined doing and she has done it all for her daughter. Her own personal realization came today when she told someone on the phone that she was taking “her daughter” to the pediatrician. How strange it was to say that she remarked. I acknowledged this with her pointing out that it was one of those moments where she suddenly feels like a bona-fide grown-up. It’s another milestone in the life of my child and in my life as her mother.
Holly will be an amazing mother. Single mothers who go it alone are in a class by themselves but what a treasure, really a treasure it is to be surrounded by family that loves, nurtures and supports. I am a single mother.. divorced and Dad has gradually slipped into the shadows but the love my children and myself recieve from my family is immeasurable.
That Holly and Hazel (love her name) have such a strong bond with family is truly a gift for all.
Thanks for taking us along on this ride as Holly becomes a mom and you become a grandmother. It’s all so very amazing. These gifts are so wonderful!
I think that it is wonderful that you are so supportive of Holly as she enters this new chapter in her life. I had my first child at 18, and I can only wish my parents has been as supportive. Holly is and will continue to be an amazing mother because of the example she’s been shown.
Babies are a wonderful way to start a new life! There’s nothing like becoming a mother for the first time to make you realize that you are ‘officially’ a grown up.
I’d like to offer some unsolicited ‘advice’, if I could. I started a journal to record my first pregnancy and after my son was born, I just continued it on, documenting all his milestones and daily routines. That son just turned 25 last year and finally asked for his journal after becoming a father himself. Before turning it over to him, I read thru all 300 pgs and was amazed at how many details I had recorded that I had completely forgotten. I was soooo glad I had written those memories down before they were ‘lost’. I had included cartoon, jokes, pictures, etc. Oh, and I also kept the local newspaper from the day he was born and then each year on his birthday, plus the TV Guide. Yes, I am just a sentimental old fool who scrapbooks and journals those precious memories!
I’m glad that Holly has such support. I know what she means when she says it’s strange to say her daughter… My son is 12 days old and it still feels a little weird in my mouth to say “my son”. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Congratulations Holly! Hazel is beautiful! I know that if you are anything like your mom (which I’ve been told you are), then you are going to be an amazing mom! Cherish every moment!