It’s amazing what a baby’s presence can accomplish.

It can remove, for example, whatever degree of negativity chokes the heart and cleanse it with contentment.  Or it can confirm that life can indeed be rich whenever that child just looks at you and smiles.

When I visited  my friend Melinda Greene in Sorrel just before Mother’s Day, I saw how her year-old granddaughter, Ariah, was transforming the household.  In spite of the usual commotion generated by a large family, the toddler was bringing an aura of happiness that hung in the air like a permanent benediction.

“When my daughter Ashley’s pregnancy was confirmed…I was in ecstasy.  I was excited that we’d soon be having a little one to love,” Melinda acknowledged.

  I’ve known this family for thirty years and I’ve seen it grow as well as prosper.  Melinda has three daughters but with the addition of the child subtle but meaningful changes are taking place.  Family roles and priorities now revolve around the sunshine that is Ariah.

Ashley, the baby’s mother, walked in and Ariah immediately stretched out her arms to embrace her even after just a short absence.  The baby held her tight.  The maternal bond was stronger than any super glue.

“My one and only responsibility now is my child,” Ashley admitted, “and I’m giving her my full attention.  Little by little she’s also been teaching me and her father the most important aspects of being parents.”

Melinda added, “Being a grandmother is a special experience.  I honestly didn’t think that my heart could overflow so much for such a tiny human being.”

Incidentally, living at the Greene home are Melinda and her husband, John, Ariah and her parents, and Katie, the youngest daughter who also happens to be the baby’s godmother.

No matter who’s around the house at any given time, however, Ariah always attracts someone to her as if she were a magical lodestone.

While we were all conversing, grandpa John walked over, picked up the baby and smothered her with kisses.  He then went back to cleaning his boat for a fishing trip later that afternoon.

A short time later Melinda’s sister, S.A. (she requested anonymity), dropped by and headed immediately to hug Ariah.

“It’s wonderful to see,” S.A. said, “…how the baby has influenced my sister and her family, all in a positive way.”

 As S.A. held her great niece, Melinda turned to me and confided that she hoped that as Ariah matured she’d never have to confront any of the bullying so prevalent today.  And that as an adult she could find a loving, caring husband.

The mood momentarily turned somber as we recalled Beverly, Melinda and S.A.’s mother who had passed away well over a year ago.  The great-grandmother never got to see her great-granddaughter.

 Melinda confessed, “Our mother would’ve been overjoyed to be with Ariah.”

 Surrounded by an unbreakable garland of affection, the child cooed in her mother’s embrace.

O.J. GONZALEZ is a native and resident of Jeanerette. He graduated from USL in printmaking and photography and his photographs have appeared in publications in Louisiana, Alaska, Canada, New Zealand and England.