Midwifery Assistant Training: Day 2

I didn’t mean to, but I woke up at 5:30 this morning.  Since I couldn’t fall back asleep, I got out of bed and on the road.  It was a beautiful time to be awake – the sun was just coming up, the air was crisp.  I decided to go to the beach because – when do I ever have an opportunity to do that by myself?  Never.  I’m glad I went.

On the way over I was listening to some random “80s 90s and today” radio station and on comes Rod Stewart belting out Forever Young.  For whatever reason, the song resonated with me (I’m sure compared to the previous Katy Perry song, it was quite refreshing) and so I turned up the volume.  WAY up.  And then I started listening to the lyrics… and started crying.

May the good Lord be with you
Down every road that you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
Surround you when you’re far from home
And may you grow to be proud, dignified and true
And do unto others as you’d have done to you

Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you’ll always stay
Forever young

May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to Heaven
With a prince or a vagabond

And may you never love in vain
And in my heart you will remain
Forever young

And when you finally fly away
I’ll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tell

But whatever road you choose
I’m right behind you, win or lose
Forever young

As corny as it sounds, this was the song that I needed to hear in that moment, during this training, at this stage in my life.

One of the topics discussed this weekend was what stage of life women should become midwives.  Traditionally, midwives have been older, wise women in their individual and their children are grown and are living their own lives.  More and more, I am agreeing with that philosophy of thought because I have a hard time seeing how you can be a good midwife, mother and wife all at the same time.  Oh, I’m sure it can be done (and is being done) but holy crap that’s gotta be a harried life.  And a harried life is not the lifestyle my husband and I want to live.  So, since I don’t feel called to formally study midwifery at this point in my life, I’ve questioned my focus, goals and the path I’m on quite a bit.

Yesterday, we went around the room and verbally shared our resumes – our skills, education, and experience.  And we were reminded that everything we do is growing us as individuals and can be used to develop our communities.  Most importantly, to not dismiss or take lightly where we have come from and what experiences we have.  This was so encouraging to hear!  Not only is it OK that I not become a midwife right now, but it’ll make me a better midwife one day if I can learn and excel in what I am currently pursuing (mothering, among others).

After yesterday’s workshop, all these thoughts were milling around in my mind and when Rod started singing to me I felt almost as if I were being commissioned and blessed to go forth.  I felt validated in the work I am doing now, and excited for where my path will take me.  After Rod sang to me, I went to the beach and soaked up the amazing scenery, people and the sounds of the ocean.  Spending time at the beach, I was able to re-center myself before I  went back to the workshop.

And you’ll never guess what song came on during my ride home.  Yup, it was Rod singing the same song.  Again.