on thanksgiving

Today, on this day of Thanksgiving, I have much to be grateful for:

• my family's good health
• a new home, which gives us the stability and security we have been seeking for two years
• secure, family-friendly jobs for both myself and my husband
• a school community that supports us as a family would
• close ties to family, in spite of the great distances that separate us
• friends who have rallied round as we prepare to move house
• and hopefully, good weather for the big move tomorrow.

But mostly, I give thanks for the life of my eldest daughter, who was born six years ago today on another Thanksgiving morning. Her entry into the world was a very traumatic one - one which nearly ended very sadly. But she emerged from her difficult birth perfectly healthy. I have never before and never since been as thankful as I was that day six years ago.

As traumatic as her birth was for both of us, I am also grateful for it. It changed the course of my life, leading me to meet some of the most amazing women I know, leading me to take more responsibility for my own parenting decisions and healthcare choices, leading me to support other women during their journey to motherhood. It made me a stronger person.

Happiest of birthdays to my dear daughter, Eva.