birth of Saraine

Birth of Saraine
The birth of my daughter was a life altering event in my life. Saraine Devin Dickerson was born on a rainy night in August of 2008. Today I think back to the events that lead to her birth and it gives me a feeling of bitter sweet candy. I want so much for her to be happy – and I know there is much to be done.
When we went for the third sonogram to check the baby’s health, I asked the Dr. if I need to get a baseball glove or a baseball bat. The Dr. said she didn’t understand, and I explained. “If it’s a boy I’ll get the glove so we can play catch – but if it’s a girl then I’ll get a baseball bat and lean it against the door, so when her first date arrives I can make an example of him.”
The pregnancy that brought my baby girl into the world was my first full term exposure to the process as I’m an only child and never had one of my own. Being present for the process is so important to the experience of being a father. A million thoughts flow through your mind as you run scenarios of your future with your child. The lessons that need to be learned, the pain that must be endured as well as the joy of a million child smiles that have yet to land on my eyes. The future is bright.
The delivery was a blur for me. I put myself on an emotional diet so as to avoid losing my mind. I worried about the health of my child – and Penisha, Saraine’s mom and one of my oldest friends. I held her hand and I told her she was doing a great job, between contractions. Penisha squeezed my hand and rolled from side to side. This was her third child and she was now 40. Although Saraine was the smallest of her children, later she would say this was her most difficult delivery. Yes, this baby shop is closed.
When the Doctors arrived for the delivery, the room had another air to it. My baby girl was the 500 lbs. elephant in the room – although nothing in my life would be different after today – everyone else seemed calm and hushed. I maintained my positive humorous disposition through the entire ordeal.
Penisha pushed and pushed, and finally the baby’s head crowned. I’ve seen a lot of things in my day, especially on the internet. I’ve never seen anything like that. The baby was trying to slip back inside. The Doctor grabbed Saraine’s head before she slipped back in. I noticed her scalp get wrinkled from the Dr.’s grip. The surgeon behind the Dr. pointed out that she was ‘creasing’, obviously a medical term for “you are squeezing the baby’s head!!”, and she shifted her grip.
They told Penisha if she didn’t push the baby out on this contraction, they would have to go in and get her. Penisha gathered all the strength her five foot nothing body could muster, she reached behind her own head and squeezed out the baby – I was beautiful. I had always heard of how new babies look like a cross between aliens and old people. In the light the baby looked less messy than I’d thought she would. Ten fingers, ten toes and open angry eyes.
The Doctor asked me if I would cut the cord and they presented me with some insanely large scissors and a white bundle of tubes that connected my daughter to her mother. I looked at them both and still in a fog of adrenaline and emotions I nipped the chord to see if anyone noticed.
Saraine was being tended to by the Doctors, and Penisha was exhausted. NO one flinched or blinked or cried out. I cut the cord with pride. I kissed Penisha and thanked her for giving us such a precious and beautiful child.
Sleepy time was needed for the baby and mama. I didn’t sleep for 3 days. My cousin came over to help me assemble the crib I’d purchased. I’d not had time to put it together thinking I’d use the time when it came, to maintain my sanity. I stopped thinking when Penny said “It’s time!”
After we got Saraine home, after the phone calls stopped coming in congratulating us. After the first week of midnight feedings, the most pleasant time in my life for the last 15 years was spent feeding and holding Saraine. I loved letting her sleep on my chest while I held and smelled her. Penisha just wanted to sleep on her stomach, something she’s given up for the past 5 months. Both were healthy and fine.

I’d thought of how I would share with Saraine all she needs to navigate this world safely. I scoured my books for the perfect poem and I read it to her every night:
BLACK AND WHITE
In this world in which we live
There is evil and there is good
About these two opposites
A few things must be understood.
Each side is true to itself and is 100% pure.
Good is good and evil is bad
Of this you can be sure!
There must be more to this battle
For this is far to clean
Whenever there is long held strife
Nothing is what It might seem
Each side has its own agents
To turn black and white to grey
Some help give you guidance
While others lead you astray
Deo

I hope she reads this and it helps!

The future for my family and me is as unknown as anyone else’s. Moving forward I definitely want to provide my daughter with the sensitivity and insight that was present in my early years as I feel it’s made all the difference in the person I am today. I’m proud of whom I’ve become and I love myself. Those are the best gifts I can provide Saraine with, the ability to self love is crucial to a positive development of the human mind.