It was a warm summer day when the gods placed it in her
hands. She trembled with emotion as she saw how fragile it
appeared. This was a very special gift the gods were
entrusting to her. A gift that would one day belong to the
world. Until then, they instructed her, she was to be its
guardian and protector. The woman said she understood and
reverently took it home, determined to live up to the faith
the gods had placed in her.
At first she barely let it out of her sight, protecting
it from anything she perceived to be harmful to its well-
being; watching with fear in her heart when it was exposed
to the environment outside of the sheltered cocoon she had
formed around it. But the woman began to realize that she
could not shelter it forever. It needed to learn to survive
the harsh elements in order to grow strong. So with gentle
care she gave it more space to grow...enough to allow it to
grow wild and untamed.
One day she became aware of how much the gift had
changed. It no longer had a look of vulnerability about it.
Now it seemed to glow with strength and steadiness, almost
as if it were developing a power within. Month after month
she watched as it became stronger and more powerful, and the
woman remembered her promise. She knew deep within her heart
that her time with the gift was nearing an end.
The inevitable day arrived when the gods came to take
the gift and present it to the world. The woman felt a deep
sadness, for she would miss its constant presence in her
life. With heartfelt gratitude she thanked the gods for
allowing her the privilege of watching over the precious
gift for so many years. Straightening her shoulders, she
stood proud, knowing that it was, indeed, a very special
gift. One that would add to the beauty and essence of the
world around it. And the mother let her child go.
