What I forgot that I remembered

In mid-September, your loyal POEM leaders attended the annual Postpartum Support International (PSI) Conference. As is every year, we go to discuss best practices with our colleagues from around the country and across the world; learn about new and innovative programs and how they're serving women with perinatal mood issues; re-connect with friends we've made doing this work for many years; and more. Lots more, really. It's just fabulous. Come along next time.


And as I sat at the MotherWoman session, furiously scribbling notes, with the always vibrant and dynamic Liz Friedman and Annette Cycon about Perinatal Support Groups, I realized that I forgot an important part of managing such groups.  I'd not fully considered or acknowledged the sheer importance of always, consistently, holding meetings.  I smiled to myself as I mentally slapped my forehead.
In the approximately 13 years that I have been co-facilitating support groups in Central Ohio, we have cancelled 1 meeting. UNO. And then it was only because it was a level 3 snow emergency and I don't think the city would've considered support group facilitators part of emergency personnel. That simple fact had never occurred to me. Does it make a difference to women to know that we’re always here? I would think so, right?

I’d forgotten how important steadfast reliability is, with regard to this program.  How much it means to always be there. I say it all the time, to community members, health care providers and such: Here’s what we do at POEM. “Our program services are…”  Our facilitators are caring and compassionate, yet also sharp and educated.  But I stopped really thinking about the fact that we are rooted in always being there. About how the quality, reliable, face-to-face, peer-to-peer support groups like POEM and others through PSI do change lives.

About how many women I’ve watched and cared for, meeting after meeting, overcome the depths of darkness to joy, confidence, strength. It is beautiful.

Thank you, Liz and Annette. Thank you for teaching me about your landmark program in Massachusetts. Thank you for supporting, engaging, teaching and empowering the many women in your region. And, thank you for helping me to remember and appreciate how vital it is to Be Here.

Thank you to Amy and all the POEM co-facilitators who arrive, fully present, session after session.  It matters.  You matter.

Thank you to the mothers and families who attend our groups, year after year, for entrusting us with your thoughts, fears, worries and hopes.  You matter. 

I think we’ll stick around.