Cool-Aid

25 Weeks

When we first discovered we were pregnant I was shocked at the feverish excitement, love, and open arms with which we were down right attacked. "You're one of us now! You're one of us!! You'll see! Now you'll see!!" The 'misery loves company' adage isn't always about the miserable—it's the struggle, the art, and the value of it all. Not to mention these little ones really, truly, honestly grow before your eyes. One day you're helping hold up his head, the next he's lifting yours. So, part of you wants to go back to the beginning of all of the wonder again, even if it's vicarious. (Sometimes, especially...)

I recently found out within one week that three, really, three people I care about very much are in the early stages of pregnancy. So early, I was honored to be in the pre-group of folks with whom you share this kind of news. Perhaps they all knew just how genuinely, intensely thrilled I would be for them since we just started the journey ourselves. I was surprised with the tears that popped out of my face with every confession. As we were told, this can be the greatest love of all. It's down right addictive. And knowing this kind of drug is out there makes you wonder if love really will save the day—the meek really will inherit this place.

Maybe it isn't just about having new cult members. Maybe it is the pure fiery, excitement of knowing that good people are continuing to populate the earth. This planet will have a chance if those fantastic folks are multiplying. There is hope. Always hope in the hands of the new. We just have to be careful we don't turn that hope into selfish, self fulfilling expectations. Soon enough the new will have their turn and we will need to let them have it. This means we've got let them discover the goods now. Teach them the tools of the games. The not-so-secrets. The good and bad stuff. Prepare them as best we can. Train them for every scenario, event, season... and then watch them sit helplessly overheated on the couch while they wait for us to get ourselves together just to go for a simple walk...