“Dad, come receive your baby!” the nurse said. The nurse had just finished wiping the baby, and was now wrapping the baby. I hesitantly took a few steps forward, and then stopped. Apprehension immobilized me. Was I ready for this next step? I glanced over my shoulder to look at Rutendo. Half a dozen doctors and nurses gathered around her. Next to them was a mound of gauzes and bandages soaked in blood. I peeked to take a closer look of her Caesarean incision. A curtain stood across half her body, blocking her from seeing the medical staff operating on her. The anesthetic had numbed half her body.
I took the final few steps towards the nurse. There she was. Beautiful. Innocent. I was in love. I held her in my arms, and admired her little face. A warm trickle of tears flowed down my cheeks. My heart skipped a beat. Was this real? Would I be a good father? God was entrusting a little, helpless baby into our care. This thought overwhelmed me like a huge dark blanket. I spoke to her. Yes, I spoke to a few minutes old baby. “I will love you. I will protect you. I will provide for you.” She did not answer. Her little mouth opened wide as she yawned. Her cuteness covered the whole room. She stretched and then put her little fingers in her mouth.
My arms embraced her. My heart fell in love with her. My shoulders welcomed the responsibilities that awaited. Sleepless nights, diaper changing, hospital visits, driving her to school. Our lives would never be the same. Parenthood was turning our lives upside down. In her frail, tired voice, Rutendo said, “Terrence, bring her so I can see her.” I walked across the room, with a big smile on my face. Fiela is here. I am a father now. Hallelujah!
The birth of a child brings unexplainable joy. My wife had taken part in fulfilling God’s command, “Be fruitful and multiply.” It was a joyous day for us.
- What has been your most joyous day? What happened?
- What brings you joy? Why?
- Have you told someone you love them? How does it make you feel?
- Has someone expressed their love to you? How does it make you feel?
- What are your thoughts on parenthood?
- What is the most difficult part about parenting?
- How do you handle parenting challenges?
soapflavoredmangos 
I don’t know about difficult, but the most unpleasant part of parenting for me would be…cleaning up dog poop! Gotcha!! Hahahahahaha!!!
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Hahahaha! Good one Lisa.
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Thank you Captain Terry, yes following God’s plan is a big responsibility, and a huge blessing! Thank you for your blog today.
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Joking aside, all children are a gift from god. This world would be a very dark place without them. Thank you Capt Terry, it was beautiful, as are your children.
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Thank you Lisa. Have a blessed weekend
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Beautiful remembrances of our little Fiela. Parenting is beautiful and can be overwhelming. Apart from them being born as the most exciting….I would say watching them accomplish something they put their mind to. Learning to ride a bike-even though they were scared-they did it. For me, watching Manu “graduate” kindergarten and say the opening prayer. There was a feeling of joy and need for prayer as I realized I have 12 more years of getting the opportunity to make a godly impact on his life. My prayer is for my sons to be men who fear God and have hearts after Him.
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You and Emmanuel are awesome parents. You have beautiful children. We love the boys, too. We pray, alongside you, that they will grow into men who feared God.
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Well written and here are my thoughts on parenthood – God is teaching me about patience and grace. Sometimes I do get angry when my children do not obey, but then I remember how God feels when I do not obey. God is gracious and patient with me.
I do remember that little girl Fiela when she was born. I used to look at her and cry 🙂 my goodness! We do thank God for our two girls. They are two different people and we continue to ask God for wisdom each day as we parent. All honor, glory and praise to God.
Thanks for bringing all those memories. 😘
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Fiela is a blessing. Thank you for being a fabulous mother. Blessings
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