Hanging Tough

This week 2 amazing, strong, talented women broke through another barrier. Capt Kristen Griest and 1st Lt. Shay Haver graduated from Army Ranger school. The 26 and 25 year old completed 9 grueling weeks of daily 5 mile 50lb weighted runs, daily 16 mile 65lb weighted hiking, weighted clothed swims, extreme calisthenics, all while dealing with rugged terrain, mental stress, starvation, and sleep deprivation.  

I don't know these women, but I am so proud of them. I'm also not surprised they made it. What I find so surprising is that only 2 of the 17 women who started the program completed it. Why? Because, as Kimmy Schmidt says, "Women are tough as hell."

In my years as a Doula I have seen women triumphantly experience weeks of prodromal labor before giving birth. I have seen sexual assault/abuse survivors swallow down fear and tension and find joy in their children's birth. I have seen women labor for 90+ hours, then dig deep, into strength reserves they never knew they possessed, to bring their babies into the world. I have also seen women calmly, sweetly breathe their babies out into the world, peaceful pillars of power. 

Women are so strong and amazing. I am humbled to serve these creatures we call mothers and the families that love and support them. So congratulations and kudos to Kristen and Shay! Thank you for being brave, determined, and persevering! You are an inspiration.