Written by Karen D. Swim
Three years ago today, shortly after 6 in the evening, I was privileged to watch my great nephew enter the world. While I have spent most of my life in and around hospitals and have witnessed many events, his was my first birth experience. Within 15 minutes, he was clean, swaddled and already smiling for the camera. He remains a darling bundle of joy who readily poses for pictures. Aim a camera in his direction, even mid-tantrum and he will turn and smile always ready for his close-up.
When I am having a tough day, I think of that miraculous day. I remember that day, that moment and the awe that I felt literally watching a tiny human being in their very first moments of life beyond the womb. I remember the absolute wonder of being there as his eyes opened and he gazed upon the world. My eyes were opened that day too, as I saw life with a fresh perspective, new and wondrous and filled with possibility.
As adults we impose our past experiences on each day. We have programmed expectations and sometimes lose the wonder that is ever present in a child’s world. We fail to see because we no longer look. Children remind us of the joy of discovery, the awe inspiring events that happen in and around us each day.
So today I celebrate my beautiful great nephew and the magic he brings to my world.
What are you celebrating today?
Karen Swim says
Hi Shari! Yes! I like Mondays too, brand new week, fresh start and I’m with you, it is GOOD to be alive! Woot! 🙂
Karen Swim says
Joanna, and that community is celebrating you back! On a blog today I referred to you and Amy as my Scottish angels, it’s so very true. xo
Karen Swim says
Hey Janice! Oh my gosh, otter love! I loved the way he/she grabbed the other’s hand again, how sweet and innocent makes you all gooey inside. 🙂 Well shoot now I’m celebrating otters too, otters, love and the simple things in life. Gotta love floating on your back in cool water blissfully in love. *sigh*
Shari Smothers says
Great post, Karen. I’m celebrating Monday. It’s a very under-appreciated day. However, I like Mondays and I’m glad to have seen another one!
Thanks,
Shari
Shari Smothers´s last blog post..a quick tip to keep creativity from blocking productivity
Joanna Young says
Karen, I am celebrating my luck at knowing a community of warm, generous and inspiring people. I cannot imagine my life without all of you.
I bet you are one cool great aunt! Have a wonderful day
Joanna x
Joanna Young´s last blog post..Heroes, Ripple Effects and Community
Janice Cartier says
Otters, I am celebrating otters. Especially these two.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUk3T2Kfno
There’s a payoff watch it all the way through.
Janice Cartier´s last blog post..Fascinating Rhythms
Karen Swim says
Hi Jamie, I am celebrating with you. I must admit I am living vicariously through this wonderful time of your life. I may be having way too much fun sliding on the coattails of your happiness, lol! Your afternoon sounds perfect! In fact, life is so good and it’s nice to celebrate that!
Karen Swim says
Hi Andrew, oh how exciting! Please let me know when your niece or nephew arrives so I can celebrate with you. I adore children so if you need to tell baby stories, I never get bored with them. 🙂
Karen Swim says
Hi Lillie! I’ve been mired in web coding projects all day but plan to pop over and visit with a hot cup of tea later. It will be reward for a hard day of work. 🙂
Jamie Grove - How Not To Write says
Today, I am celebrating what it means to be alive.
I am reading and enjoying the sun. I’m off in a few minutes to pick up my youngest son from school and we will do something fun this afternoon. I’m just happy to be breathing, happy to be living.
Jamie Grove – How Not To Write´s last blog post..A Critique That Goes Straight to the Heart
Andrew says
Karen,
I am not celebrating anything particular today, but my sister is due very, very shortly, and so I hope to be celebrating a new nephew or niece in the next few days.
Andrew´s last blog post..Should disgruntled staff kidnap the boss?
Lillie Ammann says
Karen,
This post is an example of why I gave you an award, which you can pick up at my blog.
Lillie Ammann´s last blog post..Lemonade Award