My Momma, The OX
A few years ago I had a wonderful opportunity to hear the story of my birth from my auntie Chloe. A story I’ve been told countless times by my mom and dad. But you see, I was born at home with the help of my mom's midwife, Auntie Chloe. So, my aunt’s perspective was just remarkable to me. As I’m writing this, it makes me smile remembering how animated my aunt was explaining the different positions my mom assumed preparing for the arrival of her baby(s). I absolutely loved hearing my lively Jamaican Auntie Chloe explain how my beautiful sister and I came into this world. But something stood out as my aunt unraveled the story. She said that no matter what happened my mom didn’t scream, even though my mom didn’t have any pain medicine, she refused to give in to the pain. She refused to let it control her. Why am I not surprised by this revelation...of course my mom didn’t cry! She’s my mom! She’s an ox. At least, that’s what she’s called herself my whole life. She’s raised...