Small but significant partnership
Fynn and Delilah
For prospective and new parents, there is – and should be – a good time of focusing inwards. For the past week, it’s been amazing to be part of a small, new world. Delilah and her parents are getting to know each other, working out how to feed and burp and cuddle and sleep. It’s been wonderful – and emotional and tiring – to share some of this experience.
This is practical partnership with a vengeance. For Delilah’s mother, the priority is feeding the baby, resting and getting strong again – although we’re all amazed at how strong she has been during and after the birth. Her father is concentrating on helping them both stay calm, changing nappies and giving cuddles (and how good he is at that!) Andi and I – and the other grandparents – have been hovering on the edges, offering meals and encouragement now and again. Gradually, friends are calling, dropping in, bringing smiles and presents and a sense of normality.
So all of that is a joy, and good to be part of. But I have to admit that it was surprisingly energising to return yesterday to ‘work’. Looking again at the notes of some of the interviews I’ve done with people in foundations I’ve been reminded of the rich, practical experiences of partnerships I have to draw on. Thanks to everyone, too, who has contributed via my online survey (www.surveymonkey.com/s/foundationpartnerships). And I lugged a heavy folder of articles and reports across the continent, so I’d better get on with reading them now, in spite of the enticing Californian sunshine.
