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My Other Life

Posted on: May 16, 2023 | Posted by: Kathie Neff

How do you spell Doula?

Doula holding infant.
Image Used With Permission

 

Today is Tuesday, at 11:18 pm and two things are true:

  1. I am only just now writing the Wednesday post for Soaring Spirits’ Widow’s Voice Blog
  2. There is a high likelihood I will be called to a birth in the wee hours of Wednesday morning

Which means this will be a short blog post.

 

If you are wondering why I will be called to a birth it is because

In my other life, I am a Doula.

DEFINITION OF DOULA : a woman experienced in childbirth who provides advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and after childbirth.

 

In my current life as a widow, I am still getting used to how that role impacts other roles, such as my being a doula. Tonight, for example, I needed to get someone to care for my dog since I could be gone for 20 or 30 hours. Earlier today I was on the phone making arrangement for a class I have on Thursday. You get the picture?

My role as a blogger on behalf of Soaring Spirits means that it is now 11:35 pm and I am hoping I can finish this and publish it before midnight. But just like in birth, one can never read the future when writing a blog.

Did I mention that this work is the privilege of a lifetime?

Did I explain that this is my 14th year as a doula and it is truly one of the greatest joys of my life?

The miracle called birth never gets tired of surprising us.

Truly. Anything goes. So I need to get to bed right now to be able to stay the course….run the race….keep my head above water….and to provide the best support I can.

Till next time….

 

 

Categories: Widowed

About Kathie Neff

Kathie Neff was widowed on April 15, 2021. She and her beloved husband, Dan, were high school sweethearts and enjoyed dancing and riding horses together. They lived in gratitude, hope and forgiveness for 50 years and nine months when Dan passed quietly late at night, surrounded by their seven children who, with Kathie, were caring for him in their family home.

Dan and Kathie have been a part of Camp Widow and Soaring Spirits International since its inception, as members of Michele Neff Hernandez’s cadre of helpers from the Neff family.

Kathie believes strongly in the strength and bond that is the gift of community and brings a heart of love for all who have been affected by death and dying.

Long live love. XO

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