This is amazing!!! Another great example of why Oldster makes my life better. Thank you for writing this. I am not a parent, but I really needed to hear the hysterectomy part, and no one talks about that shit.
A walking tree, free of nests. Sonya, the way this essay sways and bends and returns to standing upright (yes, of course I extended the metaphor) is a joy.
I love this post so much! I also had a hysterectomy for "not that big" fibroids when I was in my 40s and I've never healed so fast or felt so good after a surgery in my life. Thank you for telling a true story that challenges the narrative the world would like to impose. I'm not saying all women who have a hysterectomy love it, just that there is a range of experience that I love seeing brought into the light
I love this so very much Sonya! Thank you for it! The move from nests to uterus is so well done. I haven’t gotten rid of my uterus (though I have longed to in the past) but now I have an IUD which has basically stopped my periods. The way you describe that feeling of being 12 again, free, in your body but not controlled by that particular uterus nest is perfect. I’ve felt some of that lately and it’s wonderful.
Love this so much. I relinquished mine at age 35 after having one 11 and two 10 pound babies. It was beyond tired and prolapsed so bad it was the size of someone 3 months pregnant. It was a great relief, but I’d never thought of it as removing the target from my back.
As a solo parent of two kiddos in elementary school, I often look forward to becoming that “tree without nests,” even though it is still many years away. I often feel a twinge of guilt when I find myself doing it, probably because mothers are *supposed to* dread the day their children move out and feel sad when it finally arrives. I expect to feel anxious and proud and nostalgic for the days I’m living now, but absolutely not mournful. So your essay was as reassuring for me to read as it was lovely - thanks!
What a stunning essay! I read it with my heart in my throat, since my oldest is leaving for college next year and I can barely think about her absence. But I loved all of it, especially the unexpected freedom at the end: "I’m a tree free of nests, and it is glorious to feel the wind rushing through my branches."
I loved this column. It’s hard to overstate the potential negative results of unwanted pregnancy. I had an early hysterectomy because of endometriosis and understand how much freedom can result not having that hanging over one. Thank you !
This is amazing!!! Another great example of why Oldster makes my life better. Thank you for writing this. I am not a parent, but I really needed to hear the hysterectomy part, and no one talks about that shit.
A walking tree, free of nests. Sonya, the way this essay sways and bends and returns to standing upright (yes, of course I extended the metaphor) is a joy.
Thank you, Sonya Huber! I've followed your writing for years, and love everything you've put to paper.
I love this post so much! I also had a hysterectomy for "not that big" fibroids when I was in my 40s and I've never healed so fast or felt so good after a surgery in my life. Thank you for telling a true story that challenges the narrative the world would like to impose. I'm not saying all women who have a hysterectomy love it, just that there is a range of experience that I love seeing brought into the light
I love this so very much Sonya! Thank you for it! The move from nests to uterus is so well done. I haven’t gotten rid of my uterus (though I have longed to in the past) but now I have an IUD which has basically stopped my periods. The way you describe that feeling of being 12 again, free, in your body but not controlled by that particular uterus nest is perfect. I’ve felt some of that lately and it’s wonderful.
Love reading this - I can really identify, and the "nest" spoke to me in a beautiful way. Wonderful writing.
Oh I just loved this!
Love this so much. I relinquished mine at age 35 after having one 11 and two 10 pound babies. It was beyond tired and prolapsed so bad it was the size of someone 3 months pregnant. It was a great relief, but I’d never thought of it as removing the target from my back.
I’ve never read a perspective quite like this before and I deeply appreciate it. Thank you.
I know just who to share this with, thanks Sonya!
Thank you, Sonya. My boys are in high school and this phase of life is on the horizon. I appreciate the perspective.
This is so gorgeous.
As a solo parent of two kiddos in elementary school, I often look forward to becoming that “tree without nests,” even though it is still many years away. I often feel a twinge of guilt when I find myself doing it, probably because mothers are *supposed to* dread the day their children move out and feel sad when it finally arrives. I expect to feel anxious and proud and nostalgic for the days I’m living now, but absolutely not mournful. So your essay was as reassuring for me to read as it was lovely - thanks!
What a stunning essay! I read it with my heart in my throat, since my oldest is leaving for college next year and I can barely think about her absence. But I loved all of it, especially the unexpected freedom at the end: "I’m a tree free of nests, and it is glorious to feel the wind rushing through my branches."
I loved this column. It’s hard to overstate the potential negative results of unwanted pregnancy. I had an early hysterectomy because of endometriosis and understand how much freedom can result not having that hanging over one. Thank you !
I admire the symbolism of human and nature, mother, bird, home and nest. A wonderful insight!