Rick Smith/Columnist
A book requires an author – like a program requires a programmer – like a poem requires a poet – like a design requires a designer – like an invention requires an inventor – like creation requires a Creator. – Author Unknown
In a mother’s womb were two babies, Coco and Sawyer, soon to make their much-awaited appearance into the world.
Coco nudged Sawyer in the side and whispered, “Do you believe in life after delivery?” It was a question that had been on her mind for more than a few days.
Sawyer, awakened from a brief nap, replied, “Of course, Coco. There must be something after delivery.”
“You really think so?” queried Coco.
“Yes, of course,” replied Sawyer, “And maybe we’re here to prepare ourselves for what will take place later.”
“Nonsense!” said Coco, rolling her eyes. “There’s no life after delivery.” She paused, “What kind of life would that be?”
“I don’t know,” said Sawyer, “But I think that after delivery, there will be more light than we have in here.”
“More light?” questioned Coco.
“Yes, more light. And maybe we’ll walk with our legs and eat with our mouths. Maybe we’ll have other senses we can’t understand now.”
Coco was silent for a moment, then said, “That’s ridiculous. Walking is impossible and eating with our mouths, well, that’s totally absurd.”
Both babies shifted at the same time. It was going to be an active night.
Coco continued, “The umbilical cord is a lifeline that medically supplies us with oxygen and nutrition and all that we need.”
“That it does,” interjected Sawyer.
“But let’s get real. The umbilical cord is far too short,” added Coco. She paused for a moment and charged forward. “Logically speaking, we have to exclude life after delivery.”
Sawyer pondered his sister’s statement, then asked, “What if it’s just different than it is here? Maybe we don’t need that physical cord anymore.”
Coco said, “Ok, if there is life after delivery, then tell me, why has no one ever come back from there?”
Before Sawyer could respond, Coco added, “What if delivery is the end of life? What if in the after delivery there is nothing but darkness and silence and oblivion? What then? What if delivery takes us nowhere?”
The womb was silent and still for some time. Then Sawyer said, “But certainly we’ll meet Mother and she’ll take care of us.”
Coco stirred. “Mother?” There was emotion behind the word. “You actually believe in Mother?”
“I do,” said Sawyer.
“If Mother exists,” Coco continued, “Where is she now?”
Sawyer answered back, “She’s all around us. We are of her. It is in her that we live. Without her this world would not and could not exist.”
Coco shook her head and hurled, “I don’t see her. It’s only logical that she’s not here.”
Sawyer whispered, “Sometimes when you are silent and you really listen, you can perceive her presence. You can hear her loving voice calling down from above.”
The twins were silent in the womb, comforted by Mother’s heartbeat. All was well in their world.
Rick Smith is a Jeffersonian and can be reached at theriquemeister@gmail.com.