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April's
Musings
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Burlington, Vermont
"Baby Shower Power"
Little could be more profound or pleasant than a baby shower.
On a recent summer evening—actually the summer solstice
evening, I attended a baby shower for a mother to be. Her fair
skin had a faint blush of pleasure, her blue eyes reflected
surprise, interest and apprehension. As we stood outside in
the beautiful evening, a light breeze blew the fragrant scent
of roses to our noses, and whisked away some pesky mosquitoes;
in this hour of dusk a bond of female companionship and support
was being nurtured and built. Collecting our burgers and salads
and cheeses, sipping either white wine or ginger ale, mothers,
aunts, sisters, and single women all hummed a song of support
and friendship for the mother to be.
The guests, all women, except for one little boy, were from
three to sixty years in age. We represented, from wannabe grandmothers
to friends every type of female relationship. When the sky darkened
a little we moved inside to candlelight and cakes. We played
no "shower games" but sat lounging on couches and
armchairs, two and three woman to a spot, cozily familiar and
comfortable, opening gifts—it was at rapid speed with the
help of the "unwrappers" a three year boy and a four
year old girl. Advice and tips and trends were shared with every
package. As the pile of gifts grew, the future mama shared her
glow and we all shared our thoughts. The oldest women volunteered
for emergency calls day and night! As we laughed and sipped
and chatted, one could say that nothing happened, it was a baby
shower on a pleasant summer night, but everything important
had happened. A community of women had passed their experiences
and friendship to a new mother. Support systems were seeded;
new life was being protected and supported before it even arrived.
I think the evening showed me the deeper meaning of a baby shower,
the power of occasion and ritual, and the importance of creating
community.
Baby Shower Power!
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