The Empty Chair

The empty chair stood proud and stately in the baby's parlour. Vintage oak, this rocking chair reeked with character. The smell of baby powder filled the air. The diaper rack was filled with all needed  baby supplies like cloth and disposable diapers, ointments, safety pins,wet wipes etc. On the wall hung family pictures with mom,dad and baby.   Colorful cute animal wall hangings looked out onto the wooden floor splashed with a large primary colored rug.

Safely tucking baby into her crib, mother heard the doorbell and looked one last time at her precious child. Shutting the door quietly she walked to the front door.  Outside stood a friend of Ann's who had not seen her in a while.  "I was worried, as I have not heard from you forever.  As she handed over a large pile of mail into her friends hand she asked, " How are you Ann?"

A faint smile covered her face.  Ann invited her friend Erin in.  "Erin, may I get you some tea?" "Oh yes, I would like that very much thank you."  The two friends sat in the kitchen nook sipping tea and sharing baby stories and cookies.  

Not fifteen minutes into their visit, Ann told Erin she needed to check on the baby.  "I will be right back, I believe I hear Courtney."  When Ann came back she was cradling her bundle of joy in a pink,hand-made quilt.  "I am so sorry Erin, I will have to end our visit as any small noise can disturb Courtney and she really does need her sleep."  Could you let your self out, as I need to lay Courtney back down into her crib?" " Oh, I understand Ann, no problem.  Be sure to call me soon ok?"    Erin gave Ann a kiss on her good friends cheek.  Again, Ann's smile was a sure sign of contentment and happiness that only comes from loving a precious child.

Walking out towards the door and waving to Ann, Erin stopped in the bathroom before the half hour trip home.  " I must stop drinking coffee she said to herself."  Thinking it might be a while before she gets to see Ann and her newborn baby, she turned to peek into the baby room where her friend was singing  a sweet lullaby.

Confused, she saw the babies rocking chair empty. She looked onto the other side of the room where the crib stood.  Ann was standing over the crib singing this lovely lullaby to an empty blanket, the one that she thought held Ann's new baby.