The Rocking Chair

I was tagged by Robyn over at One of the Jones to participate in this photo meme. I couldn’t resist the opportunity. You’re supposed to go into your photo files, select the 8^th photo in the 8^th folder and post it along with the story behind it, then tag 8 fellow bloggers to do the same. My photo ended up being our rocking chair.

When many expectant mothers are planning their first nursery, one of the pieces that receives the most contemplation is the rocking chair.

It’s understandable. After all, it’s a place you will be spending a lot of time together. Just the two of you. Rocking. Back and fourth. It might be the place your baby ends her day each evening. Or the place where the two of you rock in the wee hours of the morning when sleep narrowly escapes you. It’s the place where you’ll read stories and share cuddles.

Or maybe, just maybe, it’s the place where you rock together, listening to the rain patter on the window while peering at the world outside, imagining what you’ll explore together.

Regardless, it’s a place where stories are shared, comfort is found and memories are made.

And how perfect if that rocking chair already comes with memories.

That is our rocking chair.

Like many first-time mommies, the moment I found out I was pregnant, I began envisioning what my baby’s room would be. I scoured every baby Web site and store known to man looking for just the right crib sheets and blanket patterns, cribs, changing tables and decorations – nothing too girly, but not masculine either (since we didn’t know if we were having a boy or a girl). No neon colors, but nothing overly pastel.

The rocking chair was no exception. I had a very specific idea in mind of what I wanted it to be.

I ended up with something completely different. The style was not what I envisioned. The wood doesn’t match the crib or dresser. It didn’t come with a foot stool.

It ended up being more perfect than whatever I could have imagined.

It belonged to my husband’s grandmother. She got it when he was born so that she could rock her first grandchild whenever he came to visit. It sat in her living room and was well used. Tens of grandchildren cuddled with her in it. They read stories together and snuggled under blankets in it. It served as overflow for Thanksgiving feasts and Easter dinners. Adults observed while kids opened presents around it on Christmases and birthdays.  I suspect a few may have even had to take a “time out” in it.

Somewhere along the way, she promised my husband that when he became a father, the chair would be passed along to him.

Despite the fact that it was a prominent, and much-used part of her living room, she did just that.

On the day of my baby shower, there sat that old rocker. Fresh with new green cushions and a giant bow, full of memories and ready to serve as a place where a new generation of memories can be created.

And it is perfect.

That rocking chair came with something better than the latest style, matching wood and a foot stool. It came with sentiment, memories and tradition – things I look forward to passing along to my daughter with that chair someday when she is blessed with her first child.

So, Alli ‘n Son, Amber Page Writes, The Frugal Frontier, Mommy Drinks Because You Cry, Domestic Chicky, Amy’s Finer Things, Scary Mommy and Oh Amanda – tag! You’re it!

This post is linked to Finer Things Friday over at Amy’s Finer Things. Check out some of the finest here.