shine

OK, Briana, we're gonna keep going. I didn't get those typhoid, yellow fever, malaria fighting bugs in me for no good reason. Remember our first trip to the U Travel Center. Well, we were late for the first appointment and they wouldn't let us in. I was secretly relieved. So, I guess it was our second trip there. The perfectly scripted nurse never missed a beat until we asked, "Uh, could you get us an unbundled tetanus?" And you said no to Hep, was sure you'd had it. And absolutely no way are we getting them all at once. And could you please explain the malaria meds again? Risks, benefits, alternatives. For our next visit we were reassigned to a different nurse. Then, the morning after conversations. Are you OK? Feeling autistic?

That was a year and a half ago! We still haven't travelled to the remote lands together. The only way we are gonna do it now is with you on my shoulder.

The MCU students will be gathering here in a couple of weeks. A new workshop is being offered: Global Midwifery/Cultural Sensitivity. I'm opening that day for you, presenting your Guatamala expedition. I am also closing up the day with Senegal and the simple mission statement that we embraced following those trips. The Universal Woman.

Why didn't it happen for us together I wonder. I have to believe there was a reason that we were required to stand in our own power, face our fears and move confidently forward - in different places. We're sure getting our chance now.

I've realized that patience isn't always a virtue. Sometimes it's a crutch, an excuse for treading water. I'm gonna take our work forward in a straight line. The best of the best are being called, organizing, preparing with you as the wind in our sails.

I will never forget our complete disbelief, disappointment and even anger following our presentation just days before you left. They tabled questions for the following month's agenda!

If I've learned anything from you it is this:

Do not assume that everyone else is the expert.

Do not accept the status quo.

Research, research everything.

If it feels wrong, it probably is..

Tables with stirrups should have gone out with the other confining tools of their day.

Girding up and closing your eyes is not the best behavior.

Stand in your power.

Stand for those who can't.

Stand to deliver, or squat, but never ever let them make you submit on your back.

Believe.

WE are experts in the field of the holistic care of women. We have seen things. We know things. We go forward Bri. Not like we thought it was gonna be, but yes, onward. So, my girl, keep shining, light the dark places and believe.