It’s different this time. Last time we were self-conscious, even sitting in a circle breaking bread together, side-by-side. We didn’t know each other, hadn’t heard each other’s stories. We worried about our own stories–whether they belonged here, whether they measured up, whether they’d bring judgement. When we spoke we were tentative; some of us were almost apologetic.
Hi. This is me. This is my story. I don’t know you, but I’m trusting you with it. I’m trying very hard to be brave.
And we were brave, that first night, throwing our hearts and our words out into the ring.
We’re brave now, on this night, as we stand together on an empty stage, looking out into a sea of lights and vacant seats. Seats that next time will be full.
It’s a different kind of brave, though, because we’re being brave together. In such a short time, the singular has become “we.”
I join hands with the silver-haired woman who still struggles to understand her mother, even after her death. I smile at the woman who will never forget the day her mother took her shopping for lipstick and mascara, a rare day of intimacy and alone time with a distant woman. I pat the shoulder of the woman who battles her eating disorder for her son, so that he can grow up knowing that his body is strong and capable and good. I pat her shoulder and say, “me too.” Part of her story is my story, too.
I do not share the story of the woman who buried her child alone, but I am there to hear it and bear witness and feel the power of her words.
I nod as a woman talks about her dreams before she had children–how she was so driven to “leave her mark” on the world–and how that dream changed once she held her son in her arms. I nod as she realizes that a changed dream is not a dashed one.
We are tall and short, wiry and curvaceous, black and white, pregnant and menopausal, faithful and athiestic.
We are mothers and we are daughters.
We are we.
And on Mother’s Day, we will stand and tell our stories together, and we will be one.
Trust yourself. Be brave. Write it down. ~Listen to Your Mother-Boulder.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
I hope this airs online. I would live to hear these beautiful stories.
Pamela, the videos from all the shows will be released on our LTYMShow YouTube channel this summer. You can watch over 500 past stories while you wait :).
This is a beautiful post, Missy! Thank you for articulating the power of the LTYM mission in action and for sharing your story with our Boulder show!!
So very, very, very beautiful. I’m doing the one in Sacramento and I couldn’t agree more. Hope your night is as beautiful as your words
I am so glad that you took the leap and joined the LTYM movement. I wish I could be in the that audience in Boulder, but be assured, I will be thinking of you.
Yes. And all of that love and togetherness spreads across the country. I told the other LTYM ladies that it took me awhile to figure out what made these combined stories so strong. This week I realized it is the unconditional love of motherhood that ties us all together and makes our stories one.
Well said, well said. I feel I’m part of the collective We from Milwaukee, I feel an affinity with stories dear to my heart and stories previously unknown to me, but all stories from the heart — which is what motherhood is about for me – the heart.
I hope all this year’s shows go as well as the Milwaukee one. Makes me want to have one of those star trek telaporters – so I could attend all the shows. Can’t wait for the videos to come up this summer.
Gosh, Kitch, I wish I could be there to listen to you brave, wonderful, inspiring ladies.
Beautiful and brave. Rock it, Kitch. I know you will. xoxo
RAAAHH!!!
(lame, maybe, but certainly suits the feeling!! )
I wish I could be there for you Dana – you will be fabulous – and I like the part about a changed dream isn’t a dashed dream – so true! :D
I loved this, Dana! I can’t wait to see your video.
Brave and wonderful. I wish I could be there!
This is just the most stunning evocation of sisterhood I’ve ever read. Loved every line and can’t wait to hear the stories. You won’t be shy, right? You’ll make sure that when the time comes, you’ll let us know how we can hear you??
I’m so proud of you!
I will be there with you (and all the other LTYM ladies across the cities) as you stand there, and tell your stories.
And after, I will have to be content to watch you on YouTube. Good luck!!
“We are we.” That’s lovely.
You’re going to be amazing!
You’re going to be awesome, Kitch. Promise you’ll put up a link when the videos to this year’s stories are posted!
I LOVE this post and I am so happy you are part of We!!!!