The Frozen River

by Ariel Lawhon

A woman is never more vulnerable than while in labor. Nor is she ever stronger.

“Have you ever seen your name written before?” “No.” “Your father never wrote it for you?” “I never asked.” “I will write it for you anytime you ask. I will engrave it upon my own heart if that is what you want.”

So no, Mrs. Ballard, you might not be pretty, but I’ll be damned if you are not the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

The act of mothering is not limited to the bearing of children.