We got word this morning that my midwife, Beth Broderson, succumbed to cancer last night. I grieve for those who never got to meet her, for those who suddenly have to deliver without her, and, selfishly, for myself -- for my subsequent pregnancies that she won't oversee. She's the only GYN I've ever seen, too, and I waited seven years for the privilege of having her deliver my child. Without exaggeration, she is the most amazing human being I've ever met. Was. She was.

It still isn't real for me -- it's like I'm outside myself. I've never had someone in my circle die before.

Every time I start to cry and call out to Jesus in my pain, He says, "She's with me!" It's kind of like getting slapped, the tears get cut off so abruptly. It makes me feel so selfish when I grieve her. She's not only no longer in pain, but she is totally in her element! Beth really was not part of this world -- she was way too incredibly awesome.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/beththemidwife