Thank you all for coming and bringing your heart, soul and energy to share on Saturday! I am overjoyed and could not have asked for a more supportive and encouraging group. Know that you are truly appreciated for everything you do for mothers and babies - there is no one thing that is not 'enough', every single thing makes a difference.  Remember, do what you can within your sphere of influence and as you do it say a prayer for change, for understanding, for tolerance, for shifts in conscience, for family and community. YOU may be responsible for one life or many - you may never know but don't ever stop trying. Think of the women you met in Orlando and know we are right there with you - always.

So before you go on to save the world (smile!) - if you were one of the people  who gave me that little knowing look when I asked who had any ongoing health issues, please consider that you need to put yourself first. I say this for myself as well, you are no use to the "village" if you yourself are sick. Check out my 'Steps To Wellness' section .Use this as an exercise to remind yourself that  you can be healthy too and you deserve to take the time to get there. If you have insurance, why not take a minute to reiew your plan - it's January,do you even know what your new deductible is? What's covered as far as preventative care? Who is on your plan? Do you like the doctor or practitioner or is it time to network with your new connections to see about finding someone you can really talk to.  No insurance? It's not impossible to find care but it means you need to do more research. Go to the RESOURCES section or ask your network. Think about the steps you have to  take and when you share with others remember to help them by reviewing those steps. Always work from a place of improving the next experience, if you discover something or someone that eases the way, then share. We must continually build our networks - get email addresses, cell phone numbers, 'back lines' or what ever you can so that we all will be able to get hold of the right people. And if you can do that for yourself, you can do that for your sistah - because, yes, our black babies are dying and  we are not putting up with that any more. Our children will live, our families will strengthen and it all starts with YOU.

PEACE.

Jennie