Delores A. Baggett, Edgewood, Maryland

Originally published in the November/December 1976 issue of La Leche League News.

Editor’s Note: The first issue of La Leche League News, the bimonthly publication for members, was published in 1958. The name changed to New Beginnings in 1985. New Beginnings continued to be published until 2014 when it transitioned to its current blog format at www.lllusa.org/blog/.

Eight months pregnant and deep in the chill of February, I was feeling quite blue. My toddler, Joanie Kate, had wandered out to the sandbox to play. I sat staring at the pile of dirty dishes and an unswept floor.

The house always seemed like a total disaster, and I was so heavy with child. Oh! How I longed for the sun to shine and for that new fresh smell of spring. Where would I ever get the energy to clean this house? When would I ever feel like doing it?

My thoughts were disrupted by a soft tap, tap. Joanie’s little face was pressed against the sliding glass window as she knocked to be let in. With cold little hands and a big warm smile she threw her arms around my neck and gave me a hug and kiss. Then she went to the center of the kitchen, turned around, and inspected the room. Throwing up her little arms, she shrilled in her baby-child voice, “This is my house. It’s beautiful!” And her smile lit the room like a 200-watt light bulb.

What a lesson she had taught me. She hadn’t seen what my adult eyes had been trained to see – the clutter and the mess. Joanie only knew she felt good here. No one else had ever paid me a higher compliment!

I am writing this to thank all little ones for their fresh outlook on what love is. Clean clothes, clean dishes, hot warm meals – yes, they are all part of feeling good and being loved – but they aren’t really the important part, are they?

Please send your story ideas to Amy at [email protected].

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