One for the Babies
I'M NOT A BABY PERSON, not by a long shot. Contrary to popular belief among friends and family, it has nothing to do with disliking children. It's more of a debilitating, innate fear I have of hurting something so small and so innocent. I absolutely hate the sound of a baby's cry because it makes me want to cry right along with them.
THIS PAST WEEKEND I gave my older cousin a visit. When we're there, all we usually do is watch anime and stay in his downstairs living area. However, a certain series of events led to us having to watch my other cousin's young daughter, Olivia. She's the most adorable little thing you've ever seen, with gorgeous strawberry blond curls. Her laugh is contagious, as is the sparkle in her eyes when those giggles bubble forth through her pearly-white baby teeth. Somehow, I found myself chasing her around the first floor of the house, matching her little pitter-pattering footfalls with my careful stomps as I chased the saccharine sounds of her unrestrained laughter.
I CAN'T HELP BUT BE ENTRANCED whenever a baby's around. My heart starts racing and I feel immersed in an anxiously bubbly, "Oh god, please don't cry when I smile at you" energy. I feel as though I'm holding my breath around them, as if the slightest thing might bring harm to them. It hadn't been until after we'd put 'Livia down for her nap that I realized I was afraid of babies and their proneness, afraid of the fact that they depend upon you for safety, sustenance, and protection.
I KNOW I'M AN AUTHOR but I'm not fictionalizing anything about this post, especially as I go on to tell you all about my latest cause. I am a registered participant for the March for Babies 2012, a fundraising walk for the March of Dimes. This foundation was created to offer support and healthcare services to families of prematurely-born babies. By donating to the March of Dimes, you're supporting research and programs meant to improve the lives of "premies". I don't anticipate I'll raise very much for the MoD at school, considering the fact that my Honors Society just had a "Hoops for Heart" event earlier this month, so I'm making it a point to turn to my loved ones for support... which brings me to the purpose of this post! I'm asking you, fellow FList (whatever friends I still have... sheesh, I've been so inactive on LJ lately!), to donate if you want to and are able. Any amount is an appreciated amount, so please... consider donating to the March of Dimes today! ♥♥
