When life irrevocably alters your path
A happy memory
Hello friends,
Dazed and groggy, I heard, “push.” Push what? How? My brain heard the words, but my incoherent state left me confused.
In the early 1970’s, before I knew about natural childbirth, before birthing centers and family rooms, before taking more control of my choices, a miracle occurred. I gave birth.
Nothing and no one prepared me for this most profound human act. Yet, my body knew what to do.
When they brought the tiny bundle to me, I opened the blanket swaddling her small, perfect body, and shuddered, not in horror, but pure awe.
I would soon discover that was the easy part.
Today, I hold 50 years of precious memories of this amazing woman. Yet, I couldn’t help thinking about the millions of women who lack pre-natal health care, a competent medical team, clean facilities, or emotional support.
When my oldest son donated to Saving Mothers in my name for Mother’s Day, I was touched and proud. He recognized and responded to the need of the over 300,000 women and girls dying every year from complications of pregnancy and childbirth.
Dr. Tara Shirazian, an Obstetrician/Gynocologist, founded Saving Mothers in 2009 because she believed “tackling the most intractable inequalities in maternal health demanded an integrative, global vision for care that valued women’s lives equally regardless of their location or ability to pay…because no woman should die giving life.”
Teams of doctors and allied medical professionals work in New York City, Kenya, Uganda, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic to improve maternal health care in resource-limited communities. A single $15.00 donation for a Safe Birth Kit can change a life—give life.
My life changed this day fifty years ago.
Happy birthday to my sweet, amazing, remarkable daughter!
I love dancing, and wonder, “Have you ever wanted to dance with love?”
Dr. Elizabeth Howell describes how we can improve maternal healthcare—before, during and after pregnancy.
Here’s a song for my daughter (or yours): “A Letter to My Daughter,” , and one from dad, “My Girl.”
“Giving birth and being born brings us into the essence of creation, where the human spirit is courageous and bold and the body, a miracle of wisdom.”
—Harriette Hartigan
“Find it within you to love exactly who you are and to know you’re capable, you’re loved and you’re beautiful. The world is a better place, because of you. You are unique because there is only ONE of you.”
— Shantel VanSanten
Find a little wonder this week, and celebrate all the birthdays!
With gratitude,
Kathryn
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