The Dream Before You Arrived
Dear Beryl, Long before you were born, before I ever held you in my arms, I had a dream. It wasn't just any dream; it was so vivid, so detailed, that I went and told several people about it immediately. In that dream, I saw everything exactly as it would eventually happen. I saw your mother lying in the hospital bed. I saw a lady sitting quietly in the window seat. And there I was, standing in the middle of the room, holding a beautiful baby. I remember feeling a wave of vulnerability wash over me that I had never felt before in my life. It was a powerful, undeniable force, a moment that felt like it was stating your name to the entire world. When the actual day arrived for you to come into the world, we were both exhausted. We had attempted a natural birth at home, but after 24 long hours, we rushed to the hospital. And then, you came out into the world. I was completely mesmerized looking at you. In all the excitement and exhaustion, I looked down and blurted out, "Oh boy!...