The best things in life are free

Snow started trickling down on the evening before we went to the hospital. During the night, the snow thickened and was starting to cover the earth in a light blanket.
For two days, the snow kept coming. I barely saw any of it – only catching glimpses from a hospital window as I waited for my first child to arrive. Anxiously waiting, for hours on end. One day turned into two. And the snow kept falling. Visitors would tell us how much shovelling needed to be done, how much winter had truly arrived.
Every so often, I’d get a look outside. A thick blanket of snow covered the ground and trees. Still, I had no idea how much snow had dropped from the skies. My main concern was baby, who had yet to arrive.
It was going on 60 hours when it looked like baby would make its way into the world. We did not know if it was to be a boy or girl. All the while, the snow kept falling.
They say the best things in life are free. On the night of November 26, I received life’s greatest gift – a child. A beautiful baby boy.
He didn’t rush into this world. It took him three full days of labour. I don’t blame him. It was freezing as winter had fully descended upon our town.
His first day in this world, was beautiful. The snow stopped, the skies opened, revealing a winter wonderland.
His middle name is Winter. It was pre-determined. But how ironic, his arrival brought so much snow. By all accounts, winter had already arrived, but there’s always an uncertainty if it will ever stay. But those days we spent in the hospital, waiting for baby, winter was no longer going anywhere. A deep cold settled in.
My mom calls him Piipoon. Winter.
There are no words to fully describe the feeling of welcoming your firstborn. Life’s greatest gift indeed. This holiday season, I’m content with the gift we’ve been blessed with. There’s a deep satisfaction that’s settled into my soul, a feeling of completeness.
As the days go by and baby continues to grow, each day becomes a gift. And there will be many more to come.
We named him Dolor. My grandfather’s name. He passed on in 2007. His memory remains strong. So many good memories. So many good times.
I only wish there was more time. Distance prevented it. But now, I have every day with my child. To watch him grow, to see his life flourish.
Yes, we’re truly blessed. Life’s greatest gift. I’m thankful.
Happy Holidays everyone.