The Princesses of Fall

Their adolescence was prolonged by Mothers who had little, if any, of their own.  They had the sweet sixteen parties, the organdy dresses, the tennis and ballet lessons.  All the things we read about in storybooks and never realized.

Somehow the Mothers forgot to ask their princesses what they wanted.  The Girls of Summer never noticed that the princesses were not eager to fulfill our dreams.

And so they grew - strong and willowy in their strength.  Their independence cloaked for a while by their love of family.

When they emerged from the cocoon of parental concern, they stood strong and brave in the sunlight - each emerging with their own agenda.  No longer reflections of the ladies of summer. 

Educated, determined and brave, their needs were different.  Their demands difficult at times to understand.  Their choices sometimes incomprehensible.

For those of us who sought the most progressive anesthesia to shield us from the trauma of labor pains, natural childbirth remains an enigma.  The incomparable joy they feel giving birth, however, is an exquisite experience of life we will never share.

For those of us who lived with the fear of more children than we could support or care for - infertility is a paradox of nature.  A sorrow we never felt.

For those of us who wished for more scientific means of birth control, abortion is an unnecessary evil.  A privilege we would not choose.  For those of us who had no choice, it is a path we could not follow.  A pain we cannot imagine.  Yet we shudder when we remember the Litany of the Dead Babies.

For those of us who wished for more education, we find consolation in their achievements, pride in their accomplishments.

For those of us who felt overcome by responsibility, we are astounded by their adroit manipulation of home and career.  Thrilled with their resilience.  Aghast at their boundless efficiency.

For those of us, who are their Mothers, we are thrilled and fulfilled by all our Princesses of Fall.