A gift

I won't have a lot of comment on this rather beautiful story by Robert Krulwich on Morning Edition today, and I could wish that everyone on various sides of various issues should just back off from this one, just for today. Don't use it for some purpose, just sit and think about it -- and smile a little.

Some scientists have proposed that when a woman has a baby, she gets not just a son or a daughter, but a gift of cells that stays behind and protects her for the rest of her life. That's because a baby's cells linger in its mom's body for decades and -- like stem cells -- may help to repair damage when she gets sick. It's such an enticing idea that even the scientists who came up with the idea worry that it may be too beautiful to be true.

I'm sure that there will be a lot of posting on this, from various perspectives. But there is an almost transcendent lovliness to it, a wonderful unexpectedness. My wife made me stop when I was about to leave (late) for work, and just listen to it. If you haven't heart this one already, follow the link, sit down, and listen.