Life's children-to-be

            Online sources tell me that my grandchild-to-be has grown to the size of a large cabbage. Why is it that even after bearing four of my own children, the idea of a living being growing inside my daughter’s body feels miraculous, or impossible, like some wild sci-fi plotline? On the other hand, the idea of species replication also strikes me as the simplest idea imaginable – a reminder of what we share with all life on Earth. Ours is nothing but one regenerative technique out of millions.
            I just finished a stunning novel called The Overstory, by Richard Powers. The close relationship between humans and trees – genetic, biologic, and emotional – was already clear to me. Powers’ book clarified and expanded that relationship beyond anything I’ve experienced. It is a rich, complex, masterful story.
            Not long ago, my daughter’s daughter-to-be was the size of one of these acorns. May she grow strong roots, spreading branches, and comfortable companionship with her vast, extended, Earthbound family.
 
 
My 60th year in 60,000 words
Day 10: 162 words, TOTAL = 1788;  58,212 remaining