Today as my family was piling into the van before church, Zachary stopped short behind me and posed a startled question:
"Mom, WHAT is THAT on the back of your leg? It looks like a huge, bulging blue vein!"
I laughed. "Well, that's exactly what it is. It's a bulging blue vein."
Zach seemed surprised by my matter-of-fact tone. "Does it hurt?"
I replied, "Yes, it does. It hurts all the time."
"Why do you have it?"
"It's just something that happened when I was pregnant with Gavin, and it has gotten worse in the two pregnancies I have had since then."
"Oh."
I laughed again (because seriously, an ugly vericose vein is pretty low on my totem pole of physical maladies), and then a few lines from Julie Beck's Women's Conference talk popped into my head. Quoting a woman who had just given birth to her eighth child, she said, "I don't do this because my children tell me I'm cute. I don't do this because I get all the help I need. I don't do this because anyone affirms what I'm doing. I do this because the Lord has taught me that it's the right thing to do, and He will help me on the difficult, back-breaking days." (This is found starting around 14:00 in this video broadcast of Sister Beck's fantastic talk; the transcript is not yet available.)
This isn't the first time my children have had comments about my figure. And I'm sure it won't be the last. Luckily for me, there are plenty of people in my life that keep me humble, like the lady at church today who asked if I was certain I wasn't having twins.
I'm glad she didn't see the ugly vein on the back of my leg!
6 comments:
Well, I think you look beautiful! If these kids knew the wringer that we put our bodies through to get them here, they'd have a little more respect!
Women with ugly blue veins unite! It means we've sacrificed greatly, but for something so worth it.
You are not alone, my dear! I have ugly, bulgy veins on my leg too--they are kind of like scars from battle wounds--not pretty to look at, but the marks of incredible bravery and valor nevertheless. That's what I'd like to think anyway. :) Hang in there--only seven weeks to go!
I think you are a beautiful Mama--pregnant and glowing. I love ya :)
That vein is a badge of courage. Honor it! :)
Love the quote by Julie Beck...and I'm grateful that you set such a good example of doing the right thing, even when it isn't convenient or fun. You go, girl!
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