Despite her swollen belly, day-to-day life hasn't really changed for this mother-to-be. It seems as if it never will. Worn out, she slumps into a recliner and opens a book. Her warm cup of tea rests on the round table of her belly. She laughs at the absurdity of having a personal cup holder that thrusts her tea so close to her mouth she wonders if she could almost bow her chin and sip without using her hands. It seems impossible that anything will change.

But change is inevitable. Later that very night, a final rasping breath escapes her parted lips as this new mother gives the most visceral push of her life. Her moist skin, furrowed brow, shaking hands and intensely focused eyes strike awe in those around her, invoking empathy and tenderness. Fervently they wish for her ordeal to be over, for her victory to be safely nestled, pink and perfect, content against her breast.

All sound and movement cease. A stuttering whimper and then a lusty cry shatter the silence. Tearful hugs are exchanged. Congratulations are passed around twice, then thrice. Ten tiny fingers and toes are counted, caressed and marveled over. The young mother reluctantly, but proudly, passes the warm, fragile, yet amazingly solid bundle to her husband who then places a most tender kiss on her tiny wrinkled forehead.

Carefully he puts this unbelievably perfect creature in the arms of her doting grandparents. A family circle is completed. Hope in a new generation is literally renewed. All have shared in this most meaningful of experiences, and the memories of this perfect moment will be indelibly imprinted onto their hearts and minds forever.

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