Here is a short example of new modern memoir. Read it slowly … and contemplate. Let the words drop in deeply. The invitation is for you to contemplate these words for yourself. Any meaning and insight will come to you, for you, from that still place inside you. At the end, pause and take a few moments to consider what it means to you.
Love Is A Hero: A Memoir For Everyday Warriors
Smash! Like a crash-landing from above I am thrust into the momentum of a frightening adventure that no mother ever wants to journey.
Failure-to-thrive diagnosis in the late seventies was a red flag on my infant son’s medical chart. Flagging me, the new mom, as the possible problem. Mother’s milk evaporated at the shock of the thought.
I always knew that I just 'knew’ things, though I didn’t know how, and that is what steered me through the trials of these potentially drowning waters as the medical team, who were supposed to be helping, were in fact hindering healing. The saving grace of a mother’s love was being treated like the isolation of malaria.
The gift of a steady stream of knowing proved to me that it knew something about everything in the scary, confusing, conflicting medical treatment of my baby. The self-confidence now taking root in my intuitive heart, nurtured by my growing faith and trust in the deep mystery of magic and miracles, was a welcome boon to the mother of a gravely ill baby. My inner knowing heightened through sharing with the trusting pediatrician now on my team, who gave my intuition a try without ever telling me it was because there was nothing else they could do. In spite of great doubt on the part of his colleagues, Doctor Dubois put his blind faith in the unknown of my knowing.
Laying his pen down on my son’s medical chart, briefly departing from his professional role, he raised his eyes to dead center in mine and said, Dr. Mom, the next 24 hours is yours. I will do what you say, and if it works we will go for another day. Feeling the warmth of this knowing, like an arrow hitting the bullseye, my heart spoke clearly without an instant of hesitation, Stop everything you are doing. Let his body rest so healing can happen.
My initiation into my new role as Dr. Mom began immediately. Keeping stark vigil, as if the creator of all was in the crib beside me, I knew that the feeding tube due to be put in next day did not need to happen. In the way of healing my heart heard. In the early dawn Dr. Dubois followed Dr. Mom’s orders. I prayed with such assurance knowing, as only the heart can know, that all is well and this tiny body knows how to do this. Four long months of what appeared hopeless to some, helped me to undeniably see how listening to my inner voice, guided and redirected the life path of a dying baby.
Returning through memory, I recognize and acknowledge that I was embodying the brave, bold, courageous love of a mother. A mighty force, a compassionate power that I can rightfully claim for myself. I see now my life’s journey has been one of a hero’s, and with that I now have an even greater faith in the innate knowing of the healing power of love.
My open heart whispers, informing me, Love is a Hero.
Anya Sophia Mann
If you enjoyed this memoir hit the share button below and invite others to join our growing community.
I really appreciate your comments. We learn from each other. Your comments contribute to our community conversation - take a moment now and comment on today’s post…
Do you want to write in the new modern memoir style? The six-week Meaningful Memoir course runs four times a year. For current course information and dates add your name and email address to the course mailing list.
A beautiful short memoir that speaks to the power of courage and intuition - thank you Anya!