The soft laughter of a young child, the embracing smile of a new mother, and the connection that the two of us share fill the room. The love we have for one another is much stronger than anyone can place into words. As I lay here a complete stranger to this vast new world and unknowing to what lay ahead in my future, it seems as almost this moment in time could last an eternity. We have each other and that seems to be as if all we need.

     As I gaze around at my surroundings, each one a completely new experience in it’s own, I unconsciously begin to learn the first lessons in life. The gentle touch of her hand reassures me she is there no matter what may come. The calming sound of her voice tells me she will become my safety net in life. The sight of her standing over me allows me the sense of security that I will grow to understand more with each passing day.

     In this exact moment she is continuously revisiting countless thoughts in her mind. The joy, the love, and the true compassion she feels. These are evident in her interactions with me, but there is also fear, hope and worry cycling through her thoughts in a way that only she knows. Fear that she will not be able to fulfill her obligations as my mother, to do all the things a mother so desperately wants to do for her child. Hope that I will grow, learn and succeed in life as a person and that I will become the best that I can be. Worries about my health, my safety and our happiness as we embark on this journey through life together. Everything seems so simple to me at this point, however, she knows just how complicated life really is.

     So many thoughts and emotions come together in this brief instance. Although our thought processes are unique in their own, they are so alike in nature. A mother who only wants what’s best for a child and wants to be the best she can be for me. A child who yearns only for the love and affection from his mother and a bond that no one can take away. I am unaware just how much I rely on her, yet she knows all too well the responsibilities she has.
 

     I guess it’s the innocence of a child that allows one’s mind to wonder and explore all the opportunities of such experiences, or maybe it’s the natural drive of a mother that defines why these feelings are present. Whatever the case may be, it is truly a beautiful moment being outlined in this still frame of life. One may say that the laws of life tell us that this instance can not be paused, that life goes on. Is that true, does this have to end? Even though the physical time will expire and we will move on to new lessons to learn and new experiences to share, we can make this one last forever. The emotions we feel, the knowledge we gain and the bonds we form at this very moment we will carry with us for a lifetime.

     One day I will look back at this photograph and I will gain a whole new appreciation for my mother and all she has done for me along the way. She also will look back on this time together and remember the trials and obstacles we overcame along the way. Two people together in this picture, two heats together forever.