Listening to a chapel full of mostly birth workers sing Dona Nobis Pacem at the end of Penny Simkin’s Celebration of Life was so stirring. People all around me knew the song and how the round worked because we had all closed workshops and conferences with it for many years. Give us peace. I think that has always been Penny’s message. It was lovely to hear more about her life and see a wonderful photo deck while her daughters supplied moving music that her daughter Linny composed and sang. She wanted to bring more peace to birthing families. So, she took steps in that direction and here we are! She will be truly missed. There is an auction that runs until September 15th of over 130 items in her personal birth art, tools, and collection. If there is still time, take a look here!

Thanks to everyone who applied for a board position. We are actively going through the process of narrowing down the field. We hope to have the choices made before the conference. If 2025 isn’t your year on the board, I invite you to serve on a committee when asked. They change a lot over the year so let us know if you have the desire to serve after the decisions are made.

I am working with a new postpartum family, for the 3rd time. I may have talked about them last month. So why are they a new postpartum family then? Because they never had this baby before. Their family is growing and fitting in this new part of the puzzle takes some time, wisdom, and patience. We are working together to get that job done! It is fun seeing babies 1 and 2 growing up. It was fun running around the backyard with short branches, “flying” with the older two while holding the new one so Mom could take a shower and have a little time for herself. It does my heart good.

The weather is getting a little cooler and I am so glad about that. We are still making good use of our garden. Zucchini, tomatoes, onions were on the list for dinner along with some small batch sausage link pieces. Next week we might have a barbecue since it is not too hot to go out on the deck. I am looking forward to socks and sweaters! I hope to see many of you at the Circle of Care Conference in San Antonio, Oct 18 to 20. Did you know that besides ICEA CEs, you can get Nursing Contact Hours from Pac/Lac? Check out the website to learn more. And they are free with your registration! So are the hugs~~

Debbie