Journal
Your breath…
Do you realise the power it can wield?
It is our life force and constant companion; from our very first moments, to our very last.
At once unassuming and extraordinary; bringing life to our bodies and vitality to our spirit.
It calms our nerves and smooths over our frayed edges.
It ignites our passions and fuels our creativity.
It steadies us when we falter, and brings clarity and peace.
It pushes us to keep going when nothing else can.
It will shift what no longer serves us, and replaces it with hope.
It brings us to here and now, and allows us to see the truth.
And it will, if we allow it, shine a light on our shadow;
Uncover the depths of our despair, reveal the rage buried within, and expose the fears we evade.
Then, without judgement, guide us through the other side; exhausted, elated, grateful, a new.
It gives us permission to let go.
And we can access this power at any time. It belongs to us. It is ours. And when we take a breath, we say yes to life.
Dear Edward
To Dear perfect precious Edward, I am so sorry I didn’t get to meet you here on this earth little one, but I love you all the same. I take solace knowing that you always knew comfort and warmth in your perfect mother’s womb. Lulled to sleep by the soft beat of her heart. Comforted by the daily sounds of your beautiful family. Their voices felt like home to you.
Their presence, a warm blanket of safety and security.
When your fun loving, gentle and dedicated Father embraced your Mother, caressed her stomach, and said ‘I love you’. You received that love.
Finally
I can feel you getting closer. You have always been there. You have watched me please and appease and remain silent and be silenced. You have seen me remove one mask, to then replace it with another. You have seen me search in all the wrong places. As you get nearer it becomes harder. Wading though years of anger and pain and loss and fear.
Dads
Your eyes light up as you see each other from across the yard. She runs to you; wobbly, smiling, arms outstretched. You reflect her delight as you smile back, eyes twinkling. Happy… You bend down and draw her in gently. I see your eyes close briefly as you rest your head on hers. You breathe her in, savouring the moment.
Far too often…
Far too often the oppressed are not consulted. The minority groups are kept out of the conversation. The decisions are made for them, without them. Far too often the policies, and enquiries, and initiatives are created and implemented, without any significant involvement from the very groups they are designed to help.
A birth blessing
As your baby journeys to meet you, May your gentle strength ground you; May your unwavering power support you; May your fierce love energise you; May your dreams inspire you to keep going; And may the energy and wisdom of all mothers – past, present and future – guide and protect you.