Although we only got to meet Claudia briefly before the new kitty arrived, we thought she was a pretty neat lady. We found a copy of this very beautiful letter Claudia wrote to Elena and wanted to share it with all of you since it made us both a little misty-eyed.
Enjoy,
Simone and Caldecott
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Dear Elena,
I will probably not get the pleasure of watching you as you grow to become a child…a teen…a woman. You will likely not know me, or I you. Yet you will always hold a special place in my heart. I was the midwife who attended your birth. I guided you as you slipped gently from your mother’s body. I watched over you as you took your first breath. I will always remember the day of your birth and you will always be one of “my special babies”!
Your mom and dad would have done whatever it took to bring you into the world in a way that was most safe, gentle and loving, and that is, I think, why they chose to have you at home. Your mom worked very, very hard to give birth to you: they don’t call it labor for nothing! She also had to overcome all the fears of the terrible things women are told about birth in our culture. Birth is powerful and very beautiful but girls and women are taught it is something to be greatly feared. Your mother was very strong and very brave. And your dad stood by ready to help and support her in whatever way he could. Sometimes that meant swabbing her face gently with cool cloths, and sometimes that meant going to the kitchen (while two dear women friends cared for your mom) and making cupcakes for everyone. Birth is a celebration!
When you were finally born your dad helped to put you right into your mother’s arms, and the room was filled with love and awe. How beautiful you were, and what a miracle!
As I said, your mom needed to develop a new depth of strength and courage during the birth process. I am sure that these qualities will remain with her and help her to become just the mother you need as you grow and develop through the years. Her empowerment will also help to shape you to manifest many positive qualities and to become the brilliant and unique individual you are and will be.
And who knows? Someday when you come into your own as a woman you may choose to have children and to experience birth for yourself. I hope you will be attended by a good midwife, and that you too will perpetuate the miracle of birth and life with the same joy, dignity, and love that your mother and dad experienced on the day you were born!
Love always,
Claudia
That was beautiful!
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