Greetings, Poetry Lovers - I'VE MISSED YOU! :0)
I know I've missed lots of poetry goodness and news about the comings and goings of our Poetry Friday-ers... some far-flung, like Jone recently in Ireland and Scotland and Heidi traipsing around Europe. And others having adventures on the home front, such as Sylvia retiring from her stellar teaching career to get into all kinds of new poetic mischief.
But I was distracted by the arrival of a precious new grandson, the first on both sides of the family. He was due June 4 and arrived in the wee hours on June 5 (his great-grandfather's birthday - what a nice present for Jack!). My hubby Jeff and I had gone to perch at our Travelers Rest (SC) home, only a couple of hours from our "couple," to wait for marching orders.
Morgan and our son-in-law Matt checked into the hospital at 5 on a Friday evening, and Morgan labored from then until after 3 a.m. on Sunday. We were there, mostly in the waiting room, and our son Seth came, too. Matt's family was in and out as well. Jeff & I both stayed a week before he had to return to work, and I had planned to stay on a few more days if needed. Morgan got quite ill, and I ended up being there a whole month! Lots of good snuggle time with our wee one, so despite very little sleep over those weeks, it was a treasured time for this new grandmother. (Going my "Mimi," by the way - my middle name is Michelle and it got sidelined 38 years ago when I got married. I couldn't quite let my maiden name go, could I? ;0) )
Morgan is MUCH better now, and little Sawyer is thriving. Since we're back on the coast, I request daily pictures of him via text! We are looking forward to all being together again in another week. This time, my folks plan to join us from Florida - the aforementioned Jack, and my mother, Nita.
My mom, in her early 80s and with some vision challenges, hasn't exactly been on the forefront of texting. BUT - as I was keeping her updated during Morgan's labor, she kept their cell phone handy and sent messages back. [Now she even includes emojis - Go, Mom!] I try to keep her supplied in texted baby pictures as well.
While in the hospital waiting room, I received a surprise text from her that was a poem. She and "Poppy" often come up with poems, sometimes of the silly variety, on special occasions such as birthdays, But this one was a sweet, heartfelt one. Morgan and Matt have requested a handwritten version as a keepsake.
Poetry is always the best way to mark milestone events in life, don't you think? And certainly the best way to welcome a new little human to the world.
With my mother's and daughter's permission, I'll share it here to warm up your day.
Sawyer Matthew Whyte,
we are waiting to hear your cries,
to see your sweet little face
and look into your eyes.
We want to count your fingers
and ten wiggly toes,
to gently tug your ears
and touch your little nose.
We want to hold and cuddle you
and shower you with love,
and make sure you always know
you are our blessing from God above.
©Juanita C. Morgan, probably with help from Jack!
(An additional note... As our family rejoices, we are mindful that other families have empty arms, longing for or missing a beloved child. Morgan and Matt have had their hearts set on this blessing for years, making all of us that much more grateful.)
Elisabeth is hosting our Roundup today at Unexpected Intersections - Thanks, Elisabeth!