My thoughts on Sleepless Nights....

There is something magical when your child falls asleep in your arms in the middle of the night. When the darkness falls round the room like a thick, soft blanket and the world stands still from its hectic pace; when nothing seems to matter more than being right there, right now. In the dark quiet, the only sounds you hear are the creaking of the rocking chair, the faint melody of a lullaby, and the sweet little gasps from your baby. Such comfort I have found when I feel my child’s warm breath on my cheek. William Wordsworth wrote, “My heart leaps up when I behold a rainbow in the sky.” Well, my heart leaps up when I am alone with my baby in the still of the night. When I know that she just needs to know that I am there, that she needs to be held tight, that she needs to hear my heart beating and that she needs to know that I live for her. There are many things I may forget about in the course of my child growing up. I am sure there will be memories that seep away like water leaking from the faucet. Nevertheless, one thing I know is that I will never be able to forget the peace that I found, no matter how tired I was or what the day had brought, when it was just she and I in her room, rocking and snuggling. Time stands still. The night does not grow old. While I dreaded the cry that brought me to her, somehow, as she drifts off to sleep, I can’t bring myself to put her back in her bed right away. I know these times will pass. I know that one day, one day before I know it, she will no longer need me to comfort her back to sleep. I know that one day soon the serenity that comes from the tranquil melody of the rocking chair will no longer be heard. One day she will grow up. But for now, I treasure the times that I am blessed with to be able to grow closer to my baby. I cherish the peaceful bond that forms in the middle of a sleepless night. I relax with the warm of her little body and feeling her nestle her head on my chest. For in those wonderful times, I thank the Lord for the blessing of motherhood.