In the beginning
we start out
as two separate entities,
a sperm
and an egg.

Through either
a natural process
or a scientific procedure,
these two entities
are united.

They are
incubated
inside a woman
for a period
of around nine months.

At the end
of this period,
the miracle
of human life,
a child
is born.

The child
begins life
not knowing
anything.

This child
is unable
to effectively
communicate,
and is totally reliant
on others
for survival.

It is
a whole
new world.

Nothing
makes sense,
and nothing
is familiar.

The journey
of life
begins.

In a lot of ways,
the story of life
is like planting
a new rose.

At first,
these is just
a stalk.

Through sunlight,
it gets
warmth.

Through water,
it gets
hydration.

Through food,
it gets
nourishment.

Through caring
it gets
character.

If you leave
the rose alone,
to fend for itself,
its direction
in life
is unpredictable.

It may
wither
and die.

It may
stretch out
in unknown directions.

It may
thrive,
it may
falter.

If nurtured,
if cared for,
if nourished,
the rose
will bloom
magnificently.

So is
the case
with a child.

If left
to fend
to itself,
a baby
would die.

If only given
the basic needs,
the direction
of life
of the child
is unpredictable.

Without love,
without guidance,
without value,
a child
will struggle
to find
a place
in our world.

With love,
with nurturing,
with care,
with help,
a child
can develop
the extraordinary
potential
that lies within
all of us.

It is
a two-way street
for parents
and the child.

What you give out
is
what you receive.

The beginning
of life
is always
a challenge
for both parties.

The inability
to effectively
communicate
can bring
untold pressures
to both sides.

This time
will pass,
and the process
will become
easier.

The struggle
on the part
of the parent
is only
a perception
of not being
good enough.

Believe
in yourself,
act from
your innate sense
of knowing
and you will both
thrive.

The miracle
of human life
is the birth
of a child.

With
all of the emotions
exploding
into one
glorious occasion.

See it,
feel it,
believe it,
live it.

The experience
is
and always will be
a highlight
of anyone’s life.


© Gary Dodd 2009