Babies

A world without babies.
Hard to imagine. I can't really think of anything more terrible.

I saw a movie this weekend called, "Children of Men." The storyline followed a futuristic day when the entire earth had become infertile. The last time a child had been born was eighteen years ago. It wasn't set very far into the future. Just twenty years. It wasn't a great movie but the characters were well developed and interesting. I don't think it even came close enough to approaching how it really would be if there were no children. The intensity of that idea ran strong through the story, but still it felt like it was always viewed through a hazy glass. But it made me stop to think. Use my own brain and imagination to try to feel what it would be like if new life weren't constantly imminent.

Not being able to speak for others, I think I can safely say that in just about every hard time of my life, it has been the children who brought me comfort. Not always my own children, although quite often they remain the lights of my world. But even seeing a stranger with a baby or a child running down the street. I can't be expected to survive on this dark planet without that. And as the little ones have grown older, they still encourage me in so many ways. My sons and daughter, my granddaughter, my nieces and nephews, my friends' kids, the kids I take care of... the list goes on and on. It is my pleasure to remain involved in the lives of the young. It is the most healing and magical thing I've found.

The year my granddaughter was born, my niece, Graci, was in San Francisco going to culinary school. She was terribly homesick and was finally able to come visit when the baby was two months old. She'd never seen her. I'll never forget her face when she set eyes on that little creature. It was like looking at eternity's heart. All of her sorrow and joy came pouring out in uncontrollable tears. Just at the sight of that baby girl. The first grandchild in our family. The first sign that life that was going on. Graci was an adult now. And she felt all the force of creation in that moment. She's not forgotten that day, and I doubt she ever will.

5 comments:

Gary said...

Babies are great. I used to be one. :)

cathouse teri said...

I think it's funny. I start out talking about babies, and the ladies wind up talking about Clive Owen. ;)

Ian said...

Hello Teri,

I'm bloghopping today and bounced over here from your comment on The Idiot's Guide to Marriage.

Children are indeed a very special, important part of our own immortality and you put that feeling into words very well. Thanks for sharing with us!

Ian
Stop by and say hello

Wolfe said...

Hi Teri,

I saw that film too and was thinking of blogging on it. I'll be sure and link this post if/when I do. Great post.

And yes, ladies do seem to wind up talking about Clive Owen... everywhere.

-wolfe

Dizzie said...

A world without babies would be unbearable... no, wait, that's supposed to be "a world without bears"... got lost in thoughts - it's unfamiliar territory for me! :)

Great post - not seen the movie, but I just might now!