The sun
shone brightly overhead, lending warmth to the chilly spring day. The excitement in the air was palpable, as
passengers leaned over the deck railings and waved farewell to friends and
loved ones on shore. The lively music
from the band on board, the streamers zigzagging through the air, and the prim
and proper crew members liberally offering champagne were all evidence of the
celebration that this moment deserved: after four years of designing, building,
fitting, and trial runs, the ship was finally embarking on her maiden voyage.
Some of the passengers had waited their entire lives for this amazing opportunity, saving their hard-earned wages, reading up on tour books and collecting travel brochures, and dreaming of the adventure that lay ahead. Perhaps a few were seasoned travelers, having made several similar voyages in the past, and although there was no denying the joyous occasion, their enthusiasm was balanced with a dose of reality. There may have even been some who felt anxiety and trepidation about the impending passage, unsure of how susceptible they are to seasickness, or how the unfamiliar food will taste, or what unknown dangers lay in the middle of the ocean when no land is in sight. But whoever they were and whatever their personal thoughts and emotions at that particular moment, once the ocean-liner left the dock, they knew that there would be no turning back.
The birth of a newborn baby into a
family is generally a joyous occasion, often celebrated, not only by the mother
and father themselves, but together with friends, families, and loved
ones. It marks the beginning of an
adventurous journey! Some parents have
eagerly awaited this moment with careful planning and preparation by reading
parenting books or taking classes, and decorating the new baby’s room. Other parents may be hesitant and anxious
about their new role, not quite sure what to expect in the months and years
ahead. There may even be some who have
stumbled upon this moment unintentionally, but instead of choosing other
options like abortion or adoption, they resolve to embark on this excursion
with courage and optimism. But
regardless of their individual situations and attitudes, one thing is certain:
the addition of a child into one’s family is an irrevocable, life-changing
moment.
