Over the past two years, I have laughed more than I ever thought was possible at work.
Alice is moving onto other opportunities and is transitioning out of her role at Brookhaven. She’ll still be around Harrisonburg, so feel free to say hello if you see her!
My family was initially introduced to Brookhaven when our son was born in late 2015. I loved the atmosphere at Brookhaven and was sad when my journey as a client came to an end. I didn’t anticipate an opportunity to grow closer to the women at Brookhaven, but I’m glad to say the opportunity came. In the summer of 2017, I joined Brookhaven as a part-time administrative assistant. Over the past two years, I have laughed more than I ever thought was possible at work. Brookhaven came into my life at a time when I was severely lacking community and I never could have anticipated how Brookhaven would fill that gap.
Working in an office where nearly everyone I came in contact with was a woman was an incredible experience that I’m glad to have had. For the first few months of working at Brookhaven, my amazing mother would even bring my toddler to the office so that I could nurse him before his nap. Being in an environment where I was encouraged to bond with my son in this way was a godsend. On the rare occasion where childcare plans fell through, it was never an issue to bring my little one in with me and have him nap in a birth suite. I am so grateful that my nearly-four-year-old son understands that I worked at the place where he was born and where we “take care of moms and babies.”
Between the midwives and students, Brookhaven has gifted me with many relationships that I know will span my lifetime. These relationships wouldn’t have come into existence without Brookhaven and no workplace perks or pay can replace what I have gained through them. Midwives possess a particular quality that I have yet to pinpoint, but if you’re ever given the chance to befriend a midwife (or midwifery apprentice) don’t pass it up. The women I’ve met at Brookhaven have been a balm I didn’t know I needed. Content to delve into the uncomfortable places of life, these special creatures helped me walk through and process many difficult situations. My life has been enriched by the incredible women who spent time within the walls of Brookhaven and I don’t know if I can fully express it in words.
If you are among the handful of women who gave birth to their baby while I sat at my desk, know that I am in awe of your strength. Your grace and power in labor reminded me of my own ability to dig deep. Hearing you progress through labor brought me back to that intense place where there was only one goal set before me. When your brand new babe let out their first cry, a sigh of relief and occasionally a tear were shed behind the receptionist’s desk. To all of the mothers who I have had the privilege of meeting within the walls of Brookhaven (and really all mothers everywhere), you are a fierce group. Thank you for letting me hold your little ones during appointments, they were the highlight of my day.
Misty, Heather, Emily, Danika, Marinda, Shauntee, Kai, and Cassandra, you have been the lights of my life for the past two years. Brookhaven Babes (newborns and otherwise), you made coming to work a joy. I love you all and will miss being in the center with you.