I have really struggled to get into the Christmas spirit this year. Maybe it is because of the stress that goes with it and the current stress I am feeling. Maybe it is because of the craziness of this year. Between the Dobbs decision and the current political environment, it has been one hell of a fight this year. But the more a reminisced the more I thought, maybe I have been in the spirit this entire year. On the front lines giving to our communities by fighting this fight. By speaking up and giving others a voice. Correcting misinformation, educating, and standing on this hill ready to protect it with all I have got. This year has been about forces bigger than me, but I have continued to fight through the pure exhaustion and atrocities that are occurring. That is a gift worth giving.

Friday was a big day for reproductive health in the greater Wausau area. I am always wary and nervous to partake in interviews with news sources. Frankly, I never know what they are going to use, what they are going to cut, and what angle will be presented. However, I am beyond impressed with the Wausau Pilot and Review. The investigative journalism approach that they took is admirable. Facts, facts, and more facts. There is no refuting what they presented. If you get a chance, go check it out! Healthcare agency CEO pushes back on faith based pregnancy centers interest in Marathon County services. That healthcare CEO is me, and this represents just a small part of the hill I stand on.

Friday was also an interesting day on the ride home from school. There are billboards everywhere. We have all seen them, and I am sure you all know where this is going. Heartbeat at 18 days. My oldest son inquired, mom what does that mean? Now my husband and I have very open and honest conversations with our boys. They have seen my blood, sweat, and tears since June. And they know this topic means a lot to their momma. So, I started with, you know how mom has talked about the government and certain people wanting to take away a women’s right to choose, this is where it all begins.

My oldest is 9 and my youngest turned 7 this past week. And I was about to have a very frank conversation with them. I explained what abortion was and made connections to the topic that they would understand—we had a dog that needed her puppies aborted—and they know that story very well. But then we turned it into the female body and why abortion is sometimes needed and how that can occur. And how individuals from Wisconsin now need to travel out of state to receive the medical care they desire. From my 7-year-olds mouth-momma those people sound like jerks! From my 9-year-old-it doesn’t really seem like that should be anyone else’s business. I agreed with them both. But want to emphasize we have 7- and 9-year-olds who understand this more than most adults. I have found comfort knowing that I am raising two boys who will support a women’s right to choose. But I am scared for those not being raised in such open and communicative environments.

Again, these conversations and the attack on reproductive health care in general has made it difficult to be in any type of holiday spirit. But I am going to keep giving my all to this fight. My gift to you this holiday season is the promise that I am not going to back down. That I will continue to fight for bodily autonomy and shine truth where deception lies.