Verkempt
Friday, July 31, 2009 at 6:39AM 
When Shelley and I arrived in Seattle on our way back from Virginia, I was puddle of emotions. All the wonderful moments at BlogFest were swirling vividly with my imminent parting from Shelley and my urge to see TOG, the Brute Squad and the kids. I was playing it cool, but inside I was all ....GAH!
So as we get on the escalator going toward baggage claim and ticketing, I couldn't help but notice the gentleman in front us being video taped by another young man. The gentleman being videotaped was noticeable in his utter exhaustion. Thus when the videotaper asked "how was the flight", the single word answer "long" was no surprise.
About the same time, I noticed the exhausted gentleman had a baby carrier strapped to his chest, and a tiny child sleeping against him. As one of my co-workers had just adopted a child from Africa, I assumed that this was the same scenario. I nudged Shelley and I knew she was aware also as she was equally focused on the child and the rising murmur of voices as the escalator approached the next floor.
Before us unfolded one of the sweetest moments ever... A young woman broke away from the crowd, the videotaper faded back for a wide angle... The young woman is trying not to cry... and failing. The man with the carrier is unstrapping the baby as quickly as he can...
He pulls the sleeping child free and the woman cuddles the baby to her chest, tucking the dark head under her quivering chin and swaying gently. She's weeping openly now and the man is smiling through his exhaustion... people are quietly clapping and "oohing"...
I turned to Shelley and said "she just became a momma". And promptly started leaking tears.
It was the finishing crescendo on all the highs of emotions over the last few days. I felt so drained as I blotted my eyes in what I hope was an inconspicuous manner. I was (thankfully) able to say goodbye to Shelley without sobbing again although I think it was just because I was so wrung out.
I admit, that when I saw TOG pull up in my car and saw that he had thoughtfully brought Madeline (my little Chihuahua) to greet me, I understood that little piece of me... that mother/nurture/feed them until they pop-part. The one that lays dormant until you become a mother... the fierce protector, the instinctive cuddler, the compassionate observer, the encourager... I know I use that on Madeline because she's needy enough to require it. But I think I'd use it on any small, helpless creature in my vicinity.
Like the creature above who I was sweet talking while TOG was in the men's room. He didn't even have to ask what it was. He came out, heard me talking to the tree and said "where is it".
I'm totally looking forward to lavishing all my gooey skills on Ben. Poor little guy!
AG out!
Baroness, baby, love of a lifetime in Grandmothering, Modern life 
Reader Comments (16)
Awww, you are going to be an amazing Meemaw!!
That was a wonderful way to end a trip.
Unborn Ben is one very lucky little guy.
You're going to be the best grandmother ever.
Ben is so blessed to have such an amazing Meemaw. I hope you'll save this post, and print it out to give to his mama to place in his baby book.
Really beautiful, AG.
Okay, now I have tears. I would have broken down in that airport too. That baby needs to be born already!
Dear Ben,
Please get here soon. We are all ready to meet you, and we sure could use another good cry! **sniffle** **sniffle**
Love,
BHE
I'm wiping away tears right now! Wonderful way to end your trip.
As everyone else has said, you will be an amazing meemaw! That little guys needs to arrive in the world already.
I understand that puddle of emotion, it's where I'm at right now. I said good bye to my friends yesterday :(
That airport scene is killing me....and Ben is one lucky peanut!
Not poor kid...lucky kid! I get like that too on occasion...cry at Kodak moments even though you aren't directly a part of that moment. It is good for the soul.
Wonderfully written story! What a way to end the Virginia trip. As if we weren't already so full of emotion. You are going to be a great memaw.
Dear Ben-in-His-Den:
Beware of the ooey-gooey goodness that is your WheeMaw. She is quite certainly delicious!!
Sniffle
Sniffie
All these baby critter posts are making my allergies make my eyes water
**sniff** Ben you got it made little dude!
Ah, what a wonderful moment to be able to witness!!
Quite a special post, D! Very touching and a moment in which I would be tearing up.
That was soooo beautiful...<<sniff...sniff>> ....