the end of a beginning

The persistent sound of high-pitched screeching has never sounded sweeter. A mother speaks those inevitable, cliché words without thought, “She’s beautiful”. The product of nine long months is mounted in the air for all to see, like a work of art on display in a magnificent gallery. A tall, slender man clothed in light blue cotton from head to toe holds the image of precious new life firmly in the grasp of his giant hands. As part of tradition, the eager new father cuts the attachment that has served as the primary bond in this miracle of a process. The last sigh of relief exits her mouth, as exhaustion weighs down on the woman who is sprawled out on the hospital bed. “One…two…three…four…five…six. Almost there! Seven…eight…nine…ten. That’s perfect!”  The man who will soon assume the role of a father grasps his wife’s clammy hand in an effort to fulfill his current role as her main source of support. He whispers eloquent words of comfort into her ear. “Ok. It’s time to start pushing,” says the obstetrician. The doctor checks her level of dilation after what seems like an eternity. The hands on the clock could not move any slower if they tried. A family waits eagerly in the designated area, as the couple settles into their room. So much love already exists for this person whose life has yet to begin. Questions of “will she have my nose?” and “what color do you think her hair will be?” echo throughout the lobby as members of the family begin to arrive. After being wheeled in, the couple is greeted at the front desk by a friendly, young nurse on staff. The silver, 2010 Pontiac G6 halts to an abrupt stop as they pull into the parking lot. Racing through stop signs and red lights allows the couple to arrive in a matter of minutes. They pile into the car (which will soon be traded in for the latest mini-van) and throw their packed belongings into the back seat. Exiting the house turns into a surprisingly easy task, seeing how they have prepared for this moment throughout the previous week. In a matter of seconds an exhausted man, and an uncomfortable woman grab their bags of clothes, kiss the dog goodbye, and shut off the lights. A wide-eyed expression passes over the father-to-be as he looks down at the puddle on his mattress. “Hey babe! I think she’s coming!” All is quiet throughout the interior and exterior. Serenity fills the house that sits in the middle of a suburb. The clock reads ‘4:08 AM’.