Last night my little Aine got herself worked up into one of her crying fits. It was the kind that just doesn't stop until she has completely worn herself out and falls asleep in exhaustion. During this time I kept whisper in her ear that everything was going to be okay and that she was alright. It made me think of my mom and when she's told me that everything would be okay in times when I was distressed. I thought especially of Monday evening when I was in the middle of the contractions and feeling the worst pain I had ever felt in my life. During the pain I would tell my mom that I couldn't do it and she would hold my hand and tell me that I could. She would tell me that everything was going to be okay and to take control. Having my mom there in the room with me was what gave me the strength to close my eyes, breath and work through each contraction until I could be saved by the epideral. She was the one who empowered me that night.
I am greatful to her and my dad for sticking it through the whole long night and into early Tuesday morning. They waited so patiently for the arrival of our Aine.
It is true when they say that you don't fully appreciate your mom until you become one. I am greatful for how many times I have been strenghtened and empowered by my mom's assurance that everything will be okay. I am humbled with the responsibity of following in her footsteps and giving that same strength to my daughter throughout her life. How greatful I am to have the inspiring example of my mom.
This morning I ventured to the school to meet with Jostens and order my cap and gown for graduation. Yesterday I got my graduation form signed by a half dozen people and turned in. Graduation is actually coming. It makes me sad when I think about how it has taken me eight years to get an associates degree. That seems pretty pathetic. But I can't say that I'm not greatful for all the little diversions that have happened in between graduating from high school and getting this degree. My mission and marrying Spencer are two of the greatest things that have happened in my life. So, I guess eight years to an associates degree are years well spent.
While I was posting this blog I came across two more pictures that caused me to reflect on an even greater event that is so, so close. Aine's due date is 4 weeks from tomorrow and it seems like I can't go through a night without some strange dream haunting me about somthing like not knowing how to get to the hospital. Why is it that big life changes seem to happen all at the same time?
