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My Tribe

I work in a Birthing Center. The other day I had a patient who had to have an unscheduled c-section at 33 weeks due to complications with her pregnancy. She was scared, but she was not alone. Her mother and two aunts were there holding her when she cried and filling her with encouragement and peace. They each met her on a different level, her mother with a serenity and calmness in the midst of the storm, and her aunties with hope and light reminding her that miracles happen every day. They took turns praying over her and the baby. They had a faith rooted in confidence that their God was in control and would surround her and the baby in his loving arms. They knew this and because they knew it, she believed it. In that moment, it was exactly what she needed. I watched this outpouring of love and support and after her recovery was finished (mom and baby did just fine) I told her what a wonderful family she had and thanked her for letting me be a part of that experience. It was a truly beautiful thing to witness.

She had her tribe with her that day. That group of people that love us for who we are, that can selflessly celebrate us and would love us through any storm we may face.

I love my tribe. I could not make it through this life without them. They hold the best intentions for me in their hearts. They have met me in my darkest hours, stood by my side and whispered fiercely in my ear, “You will not face this hell alone.”  They remain steadfast, bring me from my knees to my feet and remind me of and respect my inner strength to keep moving forward. And they cheer - oh, how they cheer - on my good days. They see me, not who they want me to be, just Me.

Sometimes people hear my stories of betrayal and they’ll make some remark to the effect of how I’ve not met someone who has truly loved me or known what it’s like to be truly loved.

But I know this love. It is the love of my tribe. It is unconditional, unending, authentic and is not bound by time or distance. The love of my tribe is one of the purest loves I have ever felt.

So to you, my tribe, thank you. Thank you for forever being by my side, even in those uncomfortable spaces. Thank you for seeing my strength. Thank you for breathing into me encouragement and hope. Thank you for celebrating me.  Thank you for loving me.


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