Around this time a year ago.

Tied Down - Edgar Guest

“They tie you down,” a woman said

Whose cheeks should have been flaming red

With shame to speak of children so.

“When babies come you cannot go

In search of pleasure with your friends,

And all your happy wandering ends.

The things you like you cannot do,

For babies make a slave of you.”

I looked at her and said, “’Tis true

That children make a slave of you,’

And tie you down with many a knot,

But have you never thought to what

It is of happiness and pride

That little babies have you tied?

Do you not miss the greater joys

That come with little girls and boys?

They tie you down to laughter rare,

To hours of smiles and hours of care,

To nights of watching and to fears;

Sometimes they tie you down to tears

And then repay you with a smile,

And make your trouble all worth while.

They tie you fast to chubby feet

And cheeks of pink and kisses sweet.

They fasten you with cords of love

To God divine, who reigns above.

They tie you, whereso’er you roam,

Unto the little place called home;

And over sea or railroad track

They tug at you to bring you back.

The happiest people in the town

Are those the babies have tied down.

Oh, go your selfish way and free

But hampered I would rather be,

Yes rather than a kingly crown

I would be, what you term, tied down;

Tied down to dancing eyes and charms,

Held fast by chubby, dimpled arms,

The fettered slave of girl and boy,

And win from them earth’s finest joy.

It was around this time one year ago that I discovered I was expecting our first child. To say that we were excited is an understatement. We cried tears of joy, laughed with a giddy excitement and were reverently contemplative as Cory and I pondered the great miracle and blessing that our Good Lord had decided to give us.

When he was born on April 1st, via a planned cesarean section due to a stubborn breech position, each hour revealed greater and greater the mystery of a parent's love for their child. All the selfish questions that stirred in my heart were quieted when I met my precious gift.

Henry has brought us great joy. Again, I will say - Henry has brought us great joy.

I realize I will have many more trying times in this glorious and sanctifying experience called motherhood but I can safely say, come what may, it is worth every sacrifice. It is worth every moment I put off Vanessa's needs and meet Henry's needs now. It is worth every tear. It is worth every heartbreak. It is worth living on one income. It is worth indefinitely postponing that vacation. It is worth eating on a budget. It is worth shopping second hand. It is worth the false perceptions and stereotypes. It is worth it - no matter what others may say. It is definitely worth being Tied Down.