Joy & Sorrow

By Allan Yap & Nigel A. Skelchy

It's been almost 4 hours since Abby began her labour and the process of giving birth to her puppies.

I've definitely been anxious and it's been a lesson in humility and faith. Humility because I cannot for one second believe that God does not exist in those little creatures. Faith because the last two, of seven, were still born.

That curious mixture of joy and sorrow is one that I'm slowly allowing into my being. Watching Abby trying her very best to revive her two little ones was enervating as it was piteous. It was the realisation that a mother does not give up even when conventional wisdom tells her that it's not possible anymore.

I've recently reread The Chronicles of Narnia from cover to cover again for the 7th or 8th time. I can't remember. But the wonder of childbirth still overcomes that of death.

Sigh... another dead. For a fleeting moment they are given to the world and I guess God had his reasons.