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| Moments after birth |
You came into this world with pretty good timing. I was able to finish my teaching term without finding a sub for the last day(s), but you didn't make us wait too much longer.
Waiting. Nine months of waiting. Then realizing that today will be the day we meet you. And waiting. There was a houseful here, waiting for your arrival. All your siblings - Charisma, Hailey, Caleb, Daniele, and Justin. All four grandparents. Auntie Elli and Auntie Rina. Then knowing the time was imminent. Two midwives and a midwifery student. Yes, a houseful.
And then you arrived. Waiting for you to cry. Realizing we hadn't thought to check if you were a boy or a girl. Getting to be the first person to call you by name. "Hi, Tessera."
Tessera: "a small piece (as of marble, glass, or tile) used in mosaic work." Your dad and I first heard the word at ICTN training camp last year. Your dad thought it would make a beautiful name, and the symbolism was appropriate.
We chose your name shortly after confirming that I was pregnant. Tessera Beverley Damaris. Tessera, the name bestowed upon you by your father. Beverley after Grandma Nanka. Damaris was my contribution. When I was young I read a book called A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke. It was about a girl who, among other things, is searching for the meaning behind her name. All she knows is that her name comes from the Bible (which she has never read), and that for some reason it is special. She is given a Bible and reads to find her name. The story and the name always stuck with me, and I always wanted the chance to include Damaris in my daughter's name. I waited for the opportunity, and thought that it would never come. But it did.
Tessera Beverley Damaris, you have arrived in this world. You are a beautiful piece in the mosaic of our family, of the world. But the waiting has not ended. We now wait to see who you will become. What will you like? Who will you be? Will we be the guides that you need in life? Will you be treated as the jewel you are? "You is smart. You is kind. You is important."
The waiting never ends. You will learn this. So learn patience too, my darling. Live your life well. We will make many mistakes as we raise you, but know this. You are loved. By many. If you only know one thing, know that. We love you.
Welcome to the world, Tessera.
