Ode to Childless Mothers

Understand. We are all the same and we are all different all at the same time. We are journeying through life and making the best of the circumstances we have been offered. We may choose to accept. Or not. We have dreams, aspirations, hopes and plans. We cheer for one another in triumph and we challenge one another in trials; all with the goal of becoming the best version of ourselves. We have resolved in a deep corner of our soul that our wombs will remain empty. Empty, but not dry! We are childless mothers.

Auntie.
Godmother.
Cousin.
Niece.
Sister.
Friend.
Daughter.
Wife.
Childless Mothers.

We are fierce.
We are engineer, electrician, soldier, scientist and senator, accountant and attorney, pilot, professor and preacher. We everyone else too.

We are warrior.
We pray and we fast and we do not. We read the Torah. We read the Qu’ran. We read the Holy Bible. We study the teachings of Buddha. We dance for rain. We protest for peace. And we do not. We are made to be mothers that we will not become. We are childless mothers. We commune with our Creator. We are co-creator.

Mothers are made; not by giving birth but by giving life.
We speak life over circumstances that would not exist without the creative touch of our hand.
We nurture beings from the womb of others.
We place life in situations that would remain dark without the light we bring.
Our light; we are radiant.
We declare life in regions overdosed on rejection. Soul exposed childless. No protection.
You, yes Mother. Not nature, still natural. Woman.
Giver of life.
You were called.
We are called.
Chosen indeed, but not to bear children; we have a right to remain childless. (And some of us have no choice). We have a responsibility to be mothers.

Though we are childless, we are mothers.

Natarsha Sanders

I am Natarsha P. Sanders.  Wife. Sister. Daughter. Aunt. Friend. Student. Speaker. Writer. Educator. Advocate. 

I have over a decade of experience in Special Education within public schools. I began my career as a teacher assistant and have earned my licensure to teach both math and English/language arts. I have worked as a resource teacher and as an adapted curriculum teacher in elementary, middle and high schools.

I’ve earned a BA from Hollins University in Roanoke, VA and a MA from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. I’m happy to say that I’m currently pursuing her doctorate in educational ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA.

I continue my professional development as a member of the International Association of Special Education. As a result, I’ve been invited to  present research throughout the nation and the world.  My research interests include developmental and cognitive delays, learning disabilities, curriculum development and teacher leaders.

I live in Wake County, NC with my husband Lorenzo and the memories of our German Shepard, Dunbar.

https://www.ourliberation.org/
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A Journey to Belong