If you have watched the news or checked your social media lately, you have probably seen something about April, the pregnant giraffe. For several weeks, viewers from around the world have intently watched her inch closer to calf delivery. I have been one of them.
I am not obsessively watching the live video feed, but I have been checking out her status at least once a day. Truthfully, I am not quite sure why I find a pregnant animal, walking in circles around her pin and incessantly chewing her food, worth monitoring. I have already seen a video of a giraffe being born, so I don’t need to see another one.
I think I am watching because I can relate to her struggle. As a mom, I remember pacing the floor while waiting for each of my children to make his/her debut. For weeks, I would pay close attention to every small contraction and be convinced that my baby was going to come out at any moment. My family and friends called frequently to check on me, and all they could talk about was the baby. By the time I did go into real labor, I was sick of talking to everyone, concerned that my child might never be born, and tired of waiting for the birth.
I am sure April and her caretakers at the Animal Adventure Park feel similar to how I felt. The delay before a breakthrough can be very frustrating and discouraging.
Just like April, I am currently going through a waiting period.
I am waiting for my dad’s murder case to finally reach a resolution, my husband’s new employment to begin, and my career to gain momentum. I am waiting for some issues to resolve for my family members. In addition, I am waiting for details to clear up concerning a possible geographic move.
I know a breakthrough is coming, but some days the wait seems endless.
I bet many of April’s viewers are feeling the same way. It’s time to have the calf already!