December 24, 1993
We are in Seattle. Helena did pretty well on take off & during the flight; but she did not like the descent into Seattle. It hurt my ears, so I'm sure it hurt hers. There were an extra 5,000 feet to descend because of the difference in altitude level.
A really interesting moment occurred while we were waiting in the Salt Lake City Airport. Everywhere I go with Helena, women look at me with a new light in their eyes. Women with children have a knowing, friendly, conspirational look. I didn't think much of it until the incident in the airport. An Arab family walked by while I was holding Helena. The wife/mother was heavily veiled so only her eyes showed. Yet her eyes held that exact same look I had seen on other women's faces, and I am sure she was smiling. Her very foreign-ness made me realize that Motherhood is a binding universal sisterhood, as well. A commonality that can bring cultures together in peace and joy. It truly is the greatest calling of all. What a wonderful world this would be if loving mothers controlled everything. Perhaps it still could be if more children were as the Armies of Helaman who valued the words and teachings of their mothers.
Of course, I cannot write on Christmas Eve without reflecting on the birth of Him whom we honor on this day (or tomorrow, in any event). As I hold Helena, I think; 'Christ was once a tiny baby, just like her." Then I think of what he has done for all mankind and I marvel at it.
*****
Merry Christmas, everyone!
0 comments:
Post a Comment