New Year; Renewed Vision.
Last year I became a mother. A long-held intention was realized, and my gratitude about it is overwhelming. At once, sleeplessness has me in a full Nelson and this, also overwhelms.
In a few fast months, God willing, I will hear my newest name and most ambitious role yet, “Mama,” from the two boys who grew inside me together. I look forward to this with the joy and anticipation of a child opening his two biggest gifts at Christmas.
Wrapping my head around new identities, considering the identities I will help shape with our sons, while planning and preparing for how this work will grow forward, has been the great adventure of my life.
This work was designed with community and care at the centre, aiming to recreate the concept of village that helped grow me and many before me. It was designed as daughter and doula. Today, as I write through the fog of sleep deprivation and a rare quiet moment, I consider design as Mama.
Until now, showing up for families in practice was based on theory, memory, observation, lived experience, but from a different position. I have now experienced in real-newborn-trenches-time, the relief of having my doula stop by just to be with me, changing diapers and entertaining the boys for an afternoon. The comfort of having my sister visit with groceries. The gratitude for my cousin playing with them while I take a power-hour-shower. The pride of watching my Mom fall in love with her grandsons, enjoying their company long enough for me to indulge a date with my husband.
My village has held me with so much love and care. Becoming a mother in this container has reaffirmed and reinforced my commitment to this work and community. I’ve seen and felt how little it takes to make such a meaningful impact on someone’s day or week, and how many hands make light work.
As we enter a new year, our concept of caring for community is clear. Our aim is to ensure more families are met with presence, dignity, and practical support during one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives. CommUnity Doulas remains committed to creating systems that supplement some of the village support and care that may be missing for many families that look like mine.
My own experience has only sharpened my understanding of how small, consistent acts of care can change the texture of a family’s day. I am reenergized and encouraged to know that every act of presence matters. Through this work, we can truly recreate and cultivate the villages families deserve.