Welcome In!
Waddle-weary and lost in thought, I shuffle my bulging abdomen toward the entrance of our building and lean heavily against the doorjamb. I ease myself into its solid support, hoping that this gesture might offer some relief - just a little, maybe. Concentrating on slow, deep breathing, I hug my soft pillow closer to dull a potent ache muscling itself into a crescendo: one, two, three....
Eager to use lapses between escalating installments of pain, I gaze through the revolving door. Downtown Chicago is continuing her unrelenting pace under a dazzling summer heat. The yellow blur of city cabs blaring horns clambers into my awareness; throngs of curious tourists cruise Michigan Avenue chatting freely; hungry customers roam toward Eli's Steak House. Back behind the cool recess of the lobby desk, only Dolly, our check-in clerk, furtively casts glances in my direction over the top of pink, horn-rimmed eyeglasses. Studying my burdened frame, she is caught somewhere between concern and amusement.
I am not amused. In spite of thorough preparation, I have been taken off guard by a swift labor that is overpowering my entire body with surprising force. No First-Stage for me it seems, and dreaded realization is slowly dawning that I could be one of those unfortunate women who deliver their baby, sprawling somewhere between home and hospital. That, or another hour of this intensity, and I will have some serious coping issues to deal with. Each scenario has its share of foreboding, and there is no escape.
I shift again... breath slowly, deeply... two..... Coming up beside me, my adept husband pauses for a moment, hastily assessing our situation. A doctor and a nurse by profession, this is nonetheless our first childbirth and hesitation is sweeping over both of us. He is still willing to proceed with the leisurely five-minute stroll to the Delivery Area that we had planned before. What do I think? I stare back at him. Then, with a sudden spark surging through my usually calm disposition, an urgent charge pierces the air as I cry, "Get a cab!" He instantly changes his mind and rushes to to the sidewalk with arm raised....
Even this vigorous beginning, which causes a chuckle today, gave few clues to how exceptional the birth adventure was going to be. Coupled with our naiveté, hardly did we understand, either, the profound Spiritual and supernatural message interlacing this physical feat.
©2005, J. Abel
