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There is magic in a sleeping baby. My grandson is 3 months old, and I had the opportunity to spend part of my day yesterday with him. My daughter doesn’t ask me to babysit often, so when I do, I’m all in. That is all I do. When I arrived at her home, she said, “He’s sleepy, but he doesn’t want to be in his bed.”
So I took him in my arms and rocked him to sleep and just held him. Life stood still. There was no place I needed to be. Nothing that needed doing. I let go and felt the peace and warmth of a sleeping baby.
One of my friends is in the midst of a battle with cancer. She told me a few weeks ago that she wanted to hold a baby. The mother of four teenagers was aching for that calming simplicity of a newborn in her arms. Because I was off yesterday, I picked up Leo from his sitter and brought him over to see her. We marveled at how constant the work is with an infant. Changing, feeding, holding…
As I was talking to my daughter on the phone saying, “He’s fussy, but he won’t take the bottle.”
She responded, “He’s probably just tired.”
And I looked over at Amy who was gently rocking and patting him to sleep. Ah, the wonder of a sleeping baby. I secretly pray he has healing powers, too.
Gentle calm of a sleeping baby
Reflections on the Teche 
A wave of calm and peace washed over me as I read your post. What a sweet friend to lend out your grandchild to a woman seeking shelter in the storm.
I was drawn to your post because I am just starting to volunteer in the newborn nursery at a downtown hospital, and got to hold and rock a baby just last weekend. It truly does make time stand still. What struck me in this post is the juxtaposition of fighting to live/ just starting to live. I hope that time was healing for your friend.
Such a sweet post. I think babies do secretly have healing powers and I hope she brought your friend calm and peace even if momentarily.
This IS magic in a sleeping baby. Now that my kids are 10 and 13, I miss holding sleeping babes the most.
It is so calming and I am enjoying every second of this time with my daughter. Currently holding her as she naps. I may have things to do, but nothing worth putting her down.
What a wonderful way to share the magic Margaret 🙂
Love this post. Remembering the sweetness of a sleepy baby in your arms and also the newness of the medicine it can be for people in pain.
You are a great friend to “share the wealth” The calm of a baby in your arms is indeed life giving. I hope this moment will bring a bit of peace to your friend.
Oh, so precious. You got me on this one – tears!!
That was beautiful!
The magic, the wonder of a sleeping baby – may Leo hold healing powers that move to your friend.
Oh, Margaret, this is such a poignant post. I felt myself relax right along with you when you described holding Leo while he slept. Then I thought of how that baby must feel in your friend’s arms in the midst of her battle. I also pray that he has healing powers. I’ll be thinking of your friend.
There is truly nothing like that sweet weight against your body, is there? The power of Leo.
Nothing more calming than a sleeping baby! So fun to have him close so you can spend this time with him. Also so nice to share him with your friend. Here is to healing powers of a little one!
What a beautiful gift to give a friend! And how brave!
Beautiful! I definitely believe babies have healing power – and Amy certainly felt that power with little Leo. What a gift you gave her!
Oh how I miss those sleeping babies! Squirmy toddlers are still wonderful, but not quite as soothing. I do believe in the healing powers of babies–and I’m wishing for them for your friend! I’m sure she enjoyed all the moments of holding your precious grandson.
Your words, picture and idea are beautiful! Nothing more precious…