I Am a Mother

I was given a life so precious, a life born unto me, one who turned me into a mother.  I was a woman– changed.

She improved me in priorities, in love and in hope, she gave me a purpose.  I was a woman–changed.

Happiness was a daily blessing, she knew how to smile, and brought out my best.  I was a woman– changed.

Then one day, one instant, she was taken away.  The fastest, longest, worst instant.  I was a mother– changed.

I have memories not so pleasant, of an accident so tragic, the last time I saw her.  I am a mother– changed.

I’m not the only one, others too have suffered the loss of a child.  We are mothers– changed.

I may look my the old self, there may be no tears in my eyes, but always there are tears on my heart. I am a mother– changed.

Life offers less security, I am no longer naive enough to think I am in control.  I am a mother– changed.

But I am still a mother, to others who need me.  I love and live and laugh with them.  I am a mother– still.

I will have the same priorities, my children are my world, the reason I exist.  I am a mother– still.

With one child in Heaven and two here on earth, the sun comes up each day.  I am a mother– still.

Every day is a gift, without guarantee of tomorrow.  I must decide how to live.  I am a mother– still.

I was a woman– changed.  I am a mother– changed.  I will continue to live and continue to give.  I am a mother– still.

This poem was written on March 11, 2006.  Now I am the mother of four beautiful girls– Cameron, Kennedy, Brooklynn and Carington.

I have been writing thank you notes like crazy.  We have received lots of books following Mother’s Day/Cameron’s Birthday and the newspaper article.  I will mention some of those names now and hope I don’t leave out anyone.  Cherry Frierson– Jonesboro, AR.  Angela Watkins– McAlester, OK.  Heather Horton– McAlester, OK.  Chris and Catherine Averitt– Jonesboro, AR.  Kristy Sanders– Sherwood, AR.  The Shelton family– North Little Rock, AR.  Kathryn French– Johnson, AR.  The Calaways– Fayetteville, AR.  The Hemms– Fayetteville, AR.  Lindsey Taylor– Willow Creek Women’s Hospital, Johnson, AR.  The Smart Cookie Book Club– Fayetteville, AR.  The Biernats– Little Rock, AR.  The Freemans– Springdale, AR.  Tina Lewis, and Chase Belcher– McAlester, OK.  Leigh and Lee Gruggett– Nashville, TN.

Please know how much these donations are appreciated!  We will get these books into the hands of some needy children. Love, Susan

Many friends commemorated Cameron’s birthday by sending us books!  We really appreciate the donations.  I am working on a list of organizations and charities to which I would like to donate books.  If anyone has ideas or suggestions for book donations, please let me know.  Thanks so much!

I just wanted to update everyone on our trip to McAlester.  We had a very therapeutic trip.  On Sunday, May 13, we gathered at the home of our old neighbors (and wonderful friends) Renda and Martin.  We had a feast, then gathered outside.  There were about 30 of us.  I read a poem I had written last year called “I am a Mother”.  We had a prayer, and then our friend Justin sang “I’ve never been more homesick than now.”  We launched about 30 balloons to Heaven for our 7 year old Cameron.

On Monday we went to Frink Chamber’s School, where Cameron died.  The principal and Cameron’s kindergarten teacher showed us the new walking track and sitting area.  The track is called the Cameron Averitt Bobbitt Trail of Life.  The sitting area is heart-shaped with a bench and lots of flowers.  There is a bird feeder and other decorative items.  There is a large engraved rock with her name on it.  It was so nice.  I didn’t know what to expect.  I left my stepping stone there– It says ” Cameron, we love you.  Mom and Dad 2007.”

We visited my old clinic and saw old friends and colleages.  We also saw Cameron’s tree– which survived the ice storm.  We left behind a small ceramic angel which looks like a little blond-haired girl.

I will have pictures of the entire trip available on the photo page within the next week. 

Edit: Pictures of the trip can now be seen here.

You may wonder how it is possible to log 1000 of reading to and with your child.  It’s simple!  Start early and stay with it!

Your unborn baby can begin to hear sounds long before you get to meet her in person.  She will love the rhythmic sound of your voice as you read aloud to her while you put your feet up.

Take a book with you to the hospital and make reading a part of rooming in.

 In a few months she will want to grab the book away from you and put it in her mouth.  This is why you will use cloth books, plastic bath books, and board books.

On the go toddlers may not like to sit still very long, but this doesn’t mean they don’t like reading.  Sneak it in at odd times–while eating, using the potty, and avoiding going to sleep.

Vary the books.  Include old favorites and new books.  Let your darling help turn the pages, even if it means skipping some parts.  Even if he wanders off or says, “THE END” before the book is over, don’t give up.  Try again tomorrow.

Cameron, our family and the book club were featured in our local paper on Sunday, May 13.  Please check out the article at the link below.

http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/living/53031/

If you or someone you know is in need of children’s books, please leave a comment here.  We would love to give to small organizations that promote early childhood literacy or that work with children.  Please leave a means for us to contact you.  We can leave your comment unpublished if you do not want your mailing or email address on the website.  Thanks.