I’ve given birth five times, but as far as I know this is one of only three pictures of me pregnant. I worked very hard at not having my picture taken.A couple of years ago I realized why I felt that way. Again, it went back to my childhood. Third grade. It was a spring program — maybe the last day of school. Mothers were in attendance. Mine was pregnant with my youngest sister (number six of six children). Someone’s mother standing near me whispered disdainfully to someone else’s mother, “There’s that Mrs. K, pregnant again.”
I was embarrassed. So, it was not a good thing to be pregnant again? Or it was not a good thing to have six children? My mother was doing something shamefully wrong, that was for sure.
Then I started to pay attention. I noticed that when a relative or friend was pregnant, they were referred to as PG. It was like adults were using a code for something bad that children weren't supposed to know about. And we definitely did not talk about it.
The image of that third grade day is indelibly imprinted on my mind. Mom was wearing a flared top, white with a design in browns and golds, long enough to cover the hole cut in the front of her skirt. This was long before elastic inserts — which are unknown to this generation. My sisters and I had a box of maternity clothes that we passed between us for about 13 pregnancies. I wonder if they even sell maternity clothes anymore.
For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. Psalm 139:13-16
Wow - a hole cut out of a skirt...I have been thinking about that.
ReplyDeleteYes they do sell maternity clothes but I think and I could be wrong that it is some kind of status symbol to stay in your regular clothes as long as possible now and also to look as normal and "stylish" as possible. Like pregnancy isn't going to alter or change me and I want to look as "good" and trendy as possible. Also everything these days is stretchy so it is easier.
I don't have hardly any pictures of myself pregnant even though it is such a unique and special time in a woman's life. I have taken a few more this time but I think I do regret not taking more pictures...knowing this is probably the last time.
Love, Katie
Oh yes, maternity clothes... Don't you love the fact that young women flaunt their pregnancies? I do. The wonder of God's gift of a new life being created should be flaunted.
ReplyDeleteLove, elaine