Yellow...

A few years back my mom told us that on our birthdays, she was going to start relating to us the story of the day we were born. I personally like the story about my coming into the world, so I was pretty excited to see that my mom was still home when I came upstairs this morning. She was surprised I had even remembered that she had said that... but I have a good memory. Last year I heard the story over the phone (since I was in Germany) but this year I heard it in person.

It was a Sunday. My mother had been having labor pains all day through church. She didn't think much of it since labor pains with my older brother were apparently unfogettable. In the latter part of the evening Dad saw mom make a face. Upon inquiring what it was all about she announced that she was having labor pains, but that she was just fine. When Dad saw the face again he asked the normal,

"When did these start?"
"Oh, some time this morning."
"How far apart are they?"
"Oh... I don't know"
"... uh... maybe we should time them...
...
...
"Five minutes apart! I think we should take you to the hospital!"

When we got to the hospital they took Mom straight away and left Dad to fill out the paperwork. When he was finished they had my dad change into scrubs and scrub in informing him that the doctor was on his way, but he might not make it in time... Dad would be the second-string short-stop. (That is a poorly used baseball term for those of you who have a blank look on your face right now.) Luckily the doctor came right on time and before we knew it, I was born. From the time we arrived at the hospital to the time I was actually born was only one hour. The nurses took me over and checked all my vitals etc. Apparently the nurse then announced that according to all the formentioned stats... I was considered "a perfect 10" ... and then I turned yellow. Apparently my brothers and sister and I all had jaundis when we were born.

So, here I am. My father, who loves me more than I can fathom, still thinks I am "a perfect 10", but I just feel "yellow" like I am in some sort of transitional stage. Looking back, I can say that I have had experiences that have taught me a lot, but more than ever in these last 5 years. I have met people who have dared me to love, and willed me to survive. I have been surrounded with those who made me believe, and encouraged me to fly. I have been privileged to know people who have helped me open my heart and taught me to sing. I guess my point is, even though I feel "yellow" I feel incredibly blessed that I have been surrounded by amazing people who inspire me and bless my life. What better day than my birthday to say "thank you" to those of you who enrich my life. Thank you for the small acts of kindness you have shown me and for the little cards/e-mails of encouragement and happiness. Thank you for loving me in my "yellow" stage. You may never realize just how much those "little" things mean to me.

All those years ago, I never knew that I would have so many wonderful people in my life to help me when I felt "yellow" on my way to being "a perfect 10". Thanks for being there... it means A LOT!

*Besos y abrazos* 

Anya May