Sometime last year someone sent me a link to something called Mama Tao. It was a satire blog about the most ridiculous and dangerous natural birth practices. The person who sent it to me was displeased with the attitude behind Mama Tao. Me? I thought it was hilarious. So I emailed Mama Tao. And that is when my whole world tilted.
I joined all these groups, met so many women from different walks of life. There were doctors and lawyers, students, and stay at home mom's. You name it, someone did it. There was one common denominator, they all believed the same thing; too many babies were needlessly dying due to an insane rhetoric. And they were trying to change that. And I wanted to help. And I have been.
But that is a story for another time, i'd rather talk about friendship.
I am forever changed by these women. Not only have I learned incredible things about childbirth, I've learned incredible things about the true nature of people. Support, love, advice, talking someone through their issues. You name it, they've done it for me. And I do it for them. I haven't even met most of these women and I would do anything they asked. And to the ones I have met: I love you so much!
Bambi, you are a strong, beautiful person. You are constantly putting yourself into painful situations helping women who've lost their children. Sitting with them, holding their hand, being a shoulder to cry on. I know it stirs up painful memories of Mary, but yet you are there, anytime someone needs you. People have labeled you incorrectly, and that's their loss. You are amazing. I love you and your family. I love when you and James bring the kids over and we just get to be together.
Sara, you and I have forged an unbreakable bond. You are kind, patient, hilarious, understanding. You and I share the same brain, and we're partners for life. I would not be the same without you, or your crazy boyfriend. I love you guys. Now tell Matt to get working on those plans for our dream home.
Cindy, I've only met you once but I can't wait to see you next week. You are amazing and we had a blast.
There are so many people I could thank for a moment or a kind word or a laugh. Elinor, future sister wife, someday we'll get to meet. Aleah, Snape, baby! Stephanie, always a kind word for me, always. Lisa, for getting me into all this...and Lily...oh Lilyyyyy I love thee. There are just too many people to list, and too many thank yous. I get to meet Marlo soon, and Heather, and Liz. And it's going to be awesome!
And i'm not the only one making these amazing friendships. Raptors are meeting all over the world. It's amazing.
The support you guys showed me after Christian died, and through this rough road of anxiety and depression...I don't even have words. Some days I don't know how I would get through without your virtual hugs, encouragement, and laughter. Just knowing you guys are there makes all the difference. True friendship is a beautiful thing. Thanks for me teaching me the difference between a nasty, poisonous friendship and the real deal. If I didn't mention you, you know I love ALL of you...bitches.
And Mama Tao loves you, baby!
ReplyDeleteMama Tao forev's....muah!
DeleteMeeting the Raptors changed my life. I have never met a group of people more willing to disagree with class, to take on bullshit, and to share their lives and vulnerabilities. I am stronger and better and worlds happier for knowing all of you. And I made it through this because of your unending support and experience.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be the same without knowing you. <3
DeleteAnd we love you!! I am also so thankful for all the new perspectives all of you brought me, I now see the world in a more objective manner, and that is thanks to all my raptors friends!!!
ReplyDeleteFlorence.
You are amazing, Florence!
DeleteYou are a wonderful wife, mother, and friend. Your kids are awesome and who doesn't love your hubby and his arms!! This group has changed everything about me. I know I can share everything and be accepted. The bonds we have are just amazing!
ReplyDeleteI love you, my Bambilina!
DeleteYou ladies have made me stronger, smarter, kinder, happier, and so much braver. Thank you for your love, your humor, your tenacity, and even our disagreements. Your forgiveness and support have rubbed off on me and I'm a better person because of you. RAAAAAAAAAWR
ReplyDelete~Marlo
<3 Marlo! Can't wait to meet you in a few days!
DeleteOh, my sweet raptors!
ReplyDeleteHow much I love you ladies!
Group hugs all around.
See? I love mah raptors so much I wrote a haiku for you. :)
That's love right there. <3
DeleteLindsay, my life partner, my other crazy half I don't know how I managed to get by before I met you. You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteSoul Mates. Muah!
DeleteLucky me, I met Bambi years before meeting the rest of the Raptor Riot, and I'm so glad I did. Losing a huge group of people I thought were my friends over freakin' homebirth of all things, and subsequently questioning my worth and my faith put me in a tailspin. I cannot thank you guys enough for being there for me, and accepting me as I am. I've learned so much from you ladies! I love that although we are all vastly different in every conceivable way, we have each other's backs and know how to disagree without bloodshed.
ReplyDeleteMWAH to all mah Raptor bitchez! <---- 'cuz I gots class
We always class it up! Muah back!
DeleteYou ladies are the awesome.
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome!
DeleteIt's taken me a long time to find other women who share similar views as I. Who don't instantly believe everything they read on the internet or jump on every conspiracy theory. I love that you all use your brains, unlike a lot of women out there. You all encourage personal growth by challenging ideas, having discussions/debates in a civil matter and allowing each other to gain view points that had not been previously considered.
ReplyDeleteThe Raptors are willing to take anyone under their wing and nurture them, especially when they see that person being shut out or threatened. It doesn't matter what their beliefs are, you guys are still there for them to talk to and trust.
Plus...BOOBS!
Everything is better with Boobs, yo!
DeleteThe Raptors are a bit like what I have idealized a family to be. Some are fiery, passionate, sharp and blazing. Others are comforting, steady, quiet presences. Many - most - are frequently both. But I think there is a common denominator other than the one you mentioned, and that is strength and loyalty. Strength to face anything head on, strength to ask for help, strength to be a constant source of help, strength to be a woman and not a child. And loyalty to the idea that at the end of the day people are more important than ideas (even the really important ideas). Melanie
ReplyDeleteAwesome, Melanie. <3
DeleteThese women are a privledge to know...
ReplyDelete