A Treasure All My Own

   April ~ the month I arrived in the world. I was the first born. My parents tell me how my dad took my mom on a motor cycle ride to try to induce labor and how eventually though, it was walking up and down hills in beautiful gardens that enticed me into this world. I can't help but think maybe it was because my mom actually relaxed for a few minutes  in enjoying the Spring's offerings and I felt like I could brave a new world. I was born cautious, careful and alert. I knew life was going to need to be navigated rather than embraced and excitedly explored. After my mom braved labor and birthed me to my first breath I was layed on her stomach. She tells me that I lifted my head and smiled at her. I feel like I was already letting her know that I had heard all the tears, and I had cried along with her.I was letting her know I would not fail her. I already was trying to fill her heart with assurance.
   That April I was the one that introduced my mother to motherhood. She rocked me, nursed me, sang lullabies and dreamed. I helped ease the sting of some wounds. I was a very easy baby and helped my mom feel like a very capable lovely mother. I never crawled or was very busy although later I think I made up for it all by talking early and never stopping. However there is something to be said for our beginnings. They shape us more than we give credit for. The pregnancy our mother had, the connection we were allowed with her, the feelings she felt ~ they all affect us deeply for a life time. They are the beginning threads that weave through the tapestry of our life. I like to remember these pieces of me when April comes around.
  I am thankful for the family I was born in. I am thankful for my mother. I am thankful I was born in April during a time of color, beauty, nature's rejoicing and renewal. As silly as it may sound to some who have maybe never celebrated themselves fully ~ I like to think of every day of April like my birthday. A day to remember where I came from and who I am. I like to get myself little treasures and be kinder to myself, to remind myself that I am a treasure all my own.