It's Time to Give Thanks
It’s that time of year for me - my most favorite holiday of the year! I know some people hold on to Halloween with all of their gothic might and others can barely wait until the clock strikes midnight on November 1 to pull out all the Christmas decorations. But not me. I’m one of those odd birds who loves and savors this beautiful season and what it means to me.
And to be clear, I do not mean the American traditional notion of a “first Thanksgiving” with pilgrims and all that nonsense because there is nothing to be celebrated about the first land grab and treatment of this country’s native indigenous people.
No, I’m talking about the meaning this time of year has always held for me and my family.
This is a time to slow down. To reflect inward and really, truly appreciate all I have in my life to be thankful for. To spend time with my loved ones, with no materialism or present-giving. But instead to spend time together in love and gratitude and share delicious homemade food. Breaking bread. Laughing. Being present with no distractions. That is “thanks-giving” in my home. And I look forward to it every year.
And this year, I have been especially thankful for Doulas of Raleigh and everything doula work has brought to my life. So I would love to give thanks.
Thank you to a community that welcomes and values doulas and everything they have to offer. We are so truly lucky to work with the providers in this area - from OBs to midwives - that do such an amazing job caring for their patients and that welcome us in as part of a collaborative care team. We appreciate all of our colleagues in this field who provide a wealth of services to care for and treat families and who recognize the benefit of doula support and recommend us. Thank you!
Thank you to our amazing team! We truly have the most wonderful doulas who share in our commitment to provide nonjudgmental support to every family we work with. Our goal is always to meet our families where they’re at, reduce fear and anxiety, and build their strength and confidence. And we are so grateful to have a team that dedicates their hearts and service to doing just that with each and every family they work with. Thank you!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the most amazing friend, business partner, work wife, and doula soulmate, Heather Clements. Without her vision, Doulas of Raleigh would never have existed. And without her hard work, passion, and dedication, Doulas of Raleigh would not be where it is today. Our shared love for compassionate, unbiased doula support and of course strong coffee has bound us together and keeps this Agency running beautifully in sync. Thank you!
And thank you most of all to the many families that have hired Doulas of Raleigh over the past five years. As we enter into our sixth year of serving the Triangle, we can’t help but feel awed to reflect back on the hundreds and hundreds of families that have allowed us to be present when they brought their babies into the world. That welcomed us into their homes and allowed us to walk by their sides as they journeyed into parenthood. That trusted us to be part of these most special moments. Thank you.
As I reflect on family and love, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude to be a doula. To have a job that allows me to touch so many other families and pour into them. And then to be able to watch them grow over the years - to celebrate important “firsts” and make their own traditions. It is truly a blessing.