Goodbye to the Woman I Met

On the eve of a birthday, I would go into my daughter’s room and say “goodbye.” For her 8th birthday, I went into her room the night before and said, “Goodbye my 7 year old. It was great to meet you!” Then we’d recap some of the things that the 7 year old got to do that the 8 year old would already receive as knowledge. I loved laying with them on those nights and recount some of what had occurred while also dreaming about what the “new girl” might do.

Tomorrow is my birthday. I’ve decided that the tradition might live on in me for the years I have remaining. So I’d like to take this moment to say “goodbye” to the woman I met and spent time with this past year.

Goodbye to the woman who became a dog mama to Jackson. Who got up in the middle of the night to take him out. Much like two previous women (32 & 26) years ago who were up in the middle of the night with diaper changes.

Goodbye to the woman who became a mother-in-law to a son-in-law. Or rather, the woman who now has another human being who calls her “Mom” regularly. She never had sons before, but is thankful for this one!

Goodbye to the woman who began her year fifteen pounds heavier (then adding a few more) before empowering the next woman to begin her year twenty pounds lighter overall.

Goodbye to the woman who learned she shared something in common with Oprah. They both realized that as children, without parents caring to do so, they would need to figure out how to look out for and raise themselves. Now both women champion changing society’s question from “what’s wrong with you?” to “What Happened to You?“

Goodbye to the woman who learned she no longer had to hide that she, like both biblical Josephs, is a dreamer. The women who come after her will get to embrace dreaming the way they remembered doing so as little girls.

Goodbye to the woman who continued to journey forward to where the Spirit is leading. Weaving in the parts of the past that were previously hidden into a beautiful fabric for living.

Goodbye to the woman who discovered her body was in need of repair. In doing so, she also learned that 1 in 8 need similar repair work but no one talks about it. That is being passed along to the woman who arrives tomorrow. She will share the story AFTER the surgery in order to provide a safe environment and healthy boundaries for recovery. Stay tuned. An advocate is in the making because of what has been learned regarding the need for voices of change in women’s healthcare!

Goodbye to the woman who fell in like with someone only to be set aside. It was a heartbreaking lesson, but a beautiful reminder that we’re not dead yet!

Goodbye to the woman who traveled to Nashville, Philly, SanDiego, Salem, Mass, Washington, DC, and Acapulco. Looking forward to Boston and Honolulu!

Goodbye to the woman who is thriving and beginning to see herself the way that God does.

Thank you for preparing the way for the woman who arrives tomorrow!

Goodbye “fill-in-the-blank” year old! It was great to meet you!