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 and homeschooled four children (monsters). I absolutely adore my dad, but my mom and I have a remarkable and beautiful relationship!

There’s no shame in saying she’s one of my best friends. She’s the first one I see when I wake up, and the last one I see when I go to bed. When I look back on my life and all the crazy stuff I've done, my mom is always at the center of it. I owe her everything! My adventurous spirit most definitely comes from her.

She also instilled in me a compassionate heart! She taught me how to see people the way God sees them, and because of that I am able to look at the world in a whole new light. A few years ago, my mom got really sick. I wanted so badly to take all the pain. I can handle pain, but I couldn’t handle seeing my mom sick.

I never felt so hopeless or useless in my life. Unable to help her nearly broke me. I wanted so badly to do something - anything to make her feel better. I did all I could by not being as OCD with my sisters and dad as I usually am. My mother continues to battle illnesses today, but she’s conquering it all like the boss that she is!

This amazing woman that raised me also loves to remind me :
“Remember Nissi we’re 80% water. Just flow!”.

There’s no other way to put it. I know I’m not perfect. But, one of the things love about my mom is her ability to make me feel perfect! My sweet Mama Bear reaffirms all that the Lord sees in me physically and emotionally. I’m truly blessed to have been raised by such a fearless and God-fearing woman! She has literally been the hands and feet of Jesus raising me.

Comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 3, 2019 at 5:46 PM

    Nissi, This is your Aunt Chloe and you are absolutely right about your mom. The image that came into my mind when she was giving birth to you was that of an Indian Squaw (please nobody comment about my political incorrectness) sitting all alone under a solitary tree enconsed by the vastness of the prarie landscape. Hidden among the tall grass she squats, she bears down with determination, and respond to rythm of her body by pushing.
    When Bella came out, we were then waiting for the afterbirth but that was coming out as expected, so I felt to see what was going on. To my surprise, I felt your two tiny feet. We were so shocked. That was when she got up off the bed; and with support, squatted to let gravity give some assistance. It was during that moment when, AFTER giving birth to one child already, I had that glimpse of that image. I recognized an eminent level of strenght as I witness her focus on pushing you out. I tell you Nissi, she did not make a sound, no crying, (definately no screaming like those hospital birth scenes), she was just emitted the glottal sounds as she pushed to get you out. I looked at her with different eyes from that day on.
    Of a truth, your mother is a true champion!!!!!

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