At Home in My Arms At Last

My moment had arrived.  Nine months of anticipation and excitement about to be realized in the tiny person who was ready to make her grand appearance.  Every second that ticked by, and every vicious contraction that tore through my muscles served as reminders that my little girl was closer to being in my arms.
I waited patiently to hear those terrible, but promising words, “Its time!”  Yet the hours crept by.  Both my husband and mother stood by my side, assuring me of my progress, but I was growing restless.  Every fiber of my being begged to find rest, to relax…to sleep.
Finally, at last, the midwife looked me straight in the eye and gave me permission to show the world just what I was capable of!  I held her gaze and drew in a long, deep breath.  I was ready.
Each and every muscle strained against the impossible, refusing to ease.  This was the point where determination and eagerness doubled with my body’s natural intuition.  Several minutes ticked by, but I felt unaware of them.  It was as if time stood still in reverence to what was happening.
And then it happened!  In one rushing and euphoric moment, her body left mine.
Not a sound disturbed her entrance.  No cries, no humming machines, no distractions.
She was gently laid on my empty stomach, silent and utterly beautiful.  I wrapped my hands around her warm, naked body and pulled her close to my face, breathing in her very presence.  My fingers memorized each wrinkle, each limb, and the outline of her plump little face.
She was perfection.  All innocence and vulnerability, and yet possessing strength despite the journey she’d taken.  I could feel her racing heartbeat against mine, and all at once I was overwhelmed by the rush of fierce love and protection.  I knew in that moment that nothing would separate her from me.   That she would always find a safe haven in my love for her.  And that I was absolutely willing to lay down my life if ever need be to preserve hers.
My little darling, my precious angel…at home in my arms at last.

Reviews

[Rodger Tunif]

Rather interesting piece. Being male, I find the subject matter to be something I cannot really relate to. Yet, this intrigues me still to try and understand another aspect of the human experience. For a short piece, I found it very interesting. I do know that child-birth is painful and while I'm reading your piece and felt a contradiction. You were describing the experience as euphoric when in my mind I pictured pain. If you were interested in expanding, you could elaborate on this theme. I found the concept of the hospital sounds ceasing the moment your child was born to be very interesting; focusing in on the importance of you child as if nothing else mattered or had your attention. This was only briefly mentioned and I think you should expand more on it. It's a very interesting idea. From a grammatical standpoint, you should try to incorporate semi-colons more often. Sometimes you use commas instead of semi-colons. Anyway, thanks for sharing something so personal and wonderful. I did find it rather interesting. Good Job!

[Songbird0510]

Thank you for taking the time to read it. I appreciate your constructive criticism. I admit, I'm not accustomed to using semi-colons. But I think it would be helpful for me to learn how to use them confidently.
For me, the beginning stages of labor were more painful than the moment I'd written about. At the last moment I could, I agreed to using an epidural, so delivery was more using my mind to focus on what to do than being distracted by any pain. And, in all honesty, its true what they say about forgetting the levels of pain endured once you're finally holding your precious baby. Maybe not all women do, but being so wrapped up in a moment like this one made it easy for me.
Thank you again for reviewing this piece!! I really appreciate it.