I hear a whisper.

I hear a whisper.

Hello Parenthood. Welcome to your new life. This is your new place where indecision, uncertainty, and self-doubt are the norm.

This is the place you will be tested, stretched, and strained well beyond any reasonable limits.

This is the place your heart resides outside of your body.

This is the place you will remain for the rest of your days.

Oh, that.

Oh, Parenthood.

Well, okay, now that you mention it, I signed up for this when I said, “Yes, I would like to have children.”

I signed up for this when I got pregnant with my first child.

I signed up for it again when I got pregnant with my second child.

Parenthood.

Who knew?

Who knew that parenthood would take every aspect of every fiber of your being?

Who knew it would take EVERYTHING and then come back and take even more?

Who knew when you felt you climbed Mount Everest, you would actually only be at base camp?

Who knew it would be SO MUCH?

I hear a whisper.

It’s called parenthood.

This is the place you learn things about yourself you never knew.

This is the place you are humbled and brought to your knees again and again.

This is the place you learn how to love beyond measure.

Oh, that.

Oh, Parenthood.

You signed up for this, when you said, “Yes, I would like to have children.”

You signed up for this when you had your first child and perhaps more.

You signed up for this when you said, “I have the courage of a lion, the endurance of an antelope, and the softness of a lamb.”

Parenthood.

Who knew?

Who knew you would feel such unending joy and relief at the birth of each child?

Who knew you would feel your heart filled to bursting with happiness on a regular basis?

Who knew you would experience unconditional love?

Who knew it would be SO MUCH?

I hear a whisper.

It’s called parenthood.

It whispers sweet kisses on your cheek.

It whispers hugs goodnight.

It whispers, “I love you so much Mom and Dad.”

I hear a whisper and it’s called parenthood.

Thank the stars for this whisper.