DATED – 20th July 2016
I have never handled small babies. They are the size of my forearm. There was an eagerness to take them. But the cunning mind told me – you have never handled such kids. What if you harm them? Do not touch them. Watch them, play with them, but do not handle them. I kept observing people handling our twins, while I just kept admiring my little ones. That’s how Day 1 passed.
Come Day 2. I saw Arpita was in post delivery pain and a little weak. When one of them would cry, she had to get up and handle them. Inspite of being there, I was a waste. Something moved from within. It occurred to me – here is a chance to prove how much I love my wife. Can I relieve her of some responsibility? Can I allow her to rest a little while I handle the kids? The cunning mind sprung up – You have never handled such small babies …
I have always been a good observer. For whole of yesterday and the night, I would see both our mothers efficiently handle the kiddos. The nurses would easily carry them here and there as if they were picking up a soft toy. Not that they were carefree, but they knew the tricks. They would put one hand below the head and the other below their bums. While putting them on bed, one had to bend a little and put them down gently. That was it – nothing more than that.
I decided to become a DOER and not just a KNOWER. I backed myself and picked them one at a time. It was easier than I thought. Both my kiddos adapted easily to my hands. They loved being cuddled in my arms. Oh! What a feeling that was! All my fears were laid to rest the moment I picked up one of them (I don’t remember whom I picked first …..). After that moment, I would look for a reason to pick them up. That feeling of having a 2-day baby right next to your heart is a feeling of a lifetime! I am so thankful to God that I didn’t miss that chance!
