Respectfully and well deserved… This issue is dedicated to all of the Mamas! Even though I only have a Godson, I have an astound respect for Mothers. Adulting as a Black woman in American today has led me to understand just how strong and solid my Mother had to be to raise me. Having a child, teaching and raising them is not an easy feat by no means. That's Afeni Shakur and her first born son, Tupac Amaru in the header. I've attached a picture of my Mama and me below. What's crazy is was in my high school yearbook and there I noted that I would start having kids when I'm 40. Whew.. 17 year old Chelsea was tapping into manifestation. At 35, I'm deep into my fertility journey and I'm still aligned with that statement. Shout out to Ashanti, Halle Berry, Janet Jackson, and Serena Williams for having babies in their 40s and beyond. I knew it could be done but to see it is inspiring. All of my friends with children tell me to keep enjoying myself and to take my time. So that's been my priority, however I'm making preparations and taking care of business too. Meaning, I'm healing up from fibroids, doing preliminary testing for egg freezing, looking into foster care and adoption, therapy, and doing an apprenticeship with a midwife. Doing all of that while never missing my weekly acupuncture appointment. Listen, I believe in abundance, so when I have tools or opportunities at my disposal, I tap in. Health is wealth! I know I want motherhood, however I'm not in a rush, but at the same time I want to get myself right for it; however it comes. So until then Auntie Chelsea is keeping her womb together and she's good for babysitting and play dates. The closer I get to my planned age for motherhood, I more I understand how tough that ultimate path will be. The more research I do for this newsletter, the more I feel for those that are struggling to become or be the best mother they can be. From the lack of fertility access to the alarming maternal mortality rate, there's so much that needs to be improved for women in our for us to be the best mothers we can be. Our lives and bodies are at stake. None of us should be punished or die because we want to create life. I also believe none of us should be forced into it either. Either way, I respect and value motherhood. Shout out to the surrogate mothers, adoptive mothers, step/bonus mothers, and god mothers too! You are appreciated just as much. Lastly, I want to honor those in war. My heart goes out to all of the Mamas in Palestine, Sudan, and the Congo. I think of them constantly, especially the women of the DRC. I wish the world did. They deserve better. They deserve our honor and love too. Happy Mother's Day.