Fresh From Heaven

The miracle of birth is a gift, fresh from heaven. Moms and dads use all sorts of creative ideas to prepare their young children for a new baby. The challenge is especially difficult when the older sibling is a three-year-old. What happens next—rejection or acceptance—is anyone’s guess! In Fresh from Heaven, an important part of this story lies on the floor, just beyond the painting’s frame. A doll that was once new, now worn from love, is tossed aside at the invitation to hold a living, breathing baby. Mom has prepared the generations-old rocking chair for the introduction. After securing pillows to support and cradle the baby, Mom positions her inquisitive child and places a sleeping baby in her open arms. And … the long-awaited union begins with a kiss. The newborn did nothing to receive the complete love, adoration, and protection bestowed upon her. The newcomer was simply swept up in the embrace of an older sister. One of the best gifts a parent can give to their children is each other.