I was Never That Small

So this Thursday, I was helping take care of my niece, the MB. Her mom (my sis) was at a workshop all week. So I had the privilege of helping taking care of an 11 month old. No doubt that this thought could terrify someone who didn't have kids. After a few minutes though, it seemed so natural. We had to play at the bank while grandma ran her errand, and then at Walmart. Her highlight (and mine) was watching her face light up like a Christmas tree when we stopped by to see the fish. The MB had a smile so big that she didn't even know what to do. But more surprising was that I too, was ecstatic. This was her first encounter with aquariums and fish, and I got to see her expressions as she felt emotions that she could not yet express.

Yes, we spun around in continuous circles in the middle of Walmart while she was in the buggy. This caused quite a few stares from bypassers; but this pleased her, and therefore, pleased me. I can not believe how something so small and innocent could possibly touch me in such a way. I am used to high school kids- teaching the 16 to 18 year olds. Yet this small tiny 11 month old had touched my heart in a way that it had never been completely reached.

I look at my niece, who I call the 'MB' (for reasons too long to express here) and wonder how we all started out like this. Mothers who loved us and who would have don anything for us. I'm not sure I could handle that responsibility of motherhood, even at the age of 35.

So here's to my sister, my mom, and especially my grandmother for taking on such an important responsibility. A responsibility that I know (unfortunately) that I will never bear. Because this is a LOT of work..... and there's no way I was ever this small.