Happy birthday, hero

My wife is 28 weeks pregnant. Today is my wife’s birthday. On this momentous occasion, I’d like to tell you why my wife is my hero. First of all, she conceived and carried all four of our children. She went through all the trials and tribulations of nurturing new life in her womb. Her body expanded and changed as it also nourished and protected those fragile and precious lives inside.
As if that weren’t enough, she then gave birth to those precious children. I was there catch all four. I had a front row seat from which to witness the miracle of birth. Those moments when our children emerged into the world made me aware of the undeniable reality that my wife can do things I can’t do. I had a moment of clarity when watching the fruit of my loins spring forth from my wife’s loins. That’s when I saw her strength in ways I had never seen before.
When the lid is too tight on the jar or the heavy bag of groceries needs to be carried in, she relies on me for my strength. When it’s time to bring a new life into the world, I rely on her for her strength. On most days, I am the most competent and able-bodied member of our family. Whatever needs to be done, I can do it. But there are some days when my abilities don’t amount to a hill of beans, and my wife’s superior skills and abilities shine forth in all their glory. We call those days birth days. Those are the days when she sets aside her average civilian identity, puts on her cape, and transforms into superwoman, a hero of epic proportions.
Today is my wife’s birthday, and that is cause for sending a special shout out to the woman who did the work of a superhero when she brought my wife into the world. Many thanks to my mother-in-law whose heroism 32 years ago made it possible for me to enjoy the blessing of being united to the woman who is now my wife.
Whether you are pregnant for the first time or preparing to birth your tenth child, know that you are my hero, too. You are doing something that I will never be able to do. I might be able to beat you at arm wrestling or a pull-up contest, but I’ll never be able to match your ability to bring new life into the world.
It is sad to me that our culture often treats pregnancy as a disease to be cured and children a burden to be minimized. They are nothing of the sort. Pregnancy is a miracle to behold and children a blessing to be enjoyed.
If all goes well for our family, we will be witnessing another miracle and enjoying another blessing in another 12 weeks or so. Thanks for taking the journey with us.