This past Sunday was the final season of Listen To Your Mother OKC. Listen To Your Mother has been a nationwide event for seven years and in Oklahoma for five years. The national production team feels like the show has run its course and it ready to set it free. I agree, nothing can last forever and it’s better to let something go with positive feelings about the entire experience rather than try and jump the shark. It was bitter-sweet to see it come to a close but it really felt like the right thing to do.
To be honest the day felt a little “out of body” to me. I wasn’t completely myself thanks to my stupid stomach and it’s decision to have acute indigestion that day. It was a grin-and-bear-it kind of day but was completely worth it. It started with a big church service celebrating our 125th anniversary (which is a post for another day) and ended with a whirlwind of stories of motherhood followed by a hot bath.
This is what happens when you try and take a group photo in the Oklahoma wind. You are forced to find a doorway…
Which leads to silly face photos. How could you not?
(photos courtesy of Sheradee Hurst Photography)
It’s hard to describe the experience of participating in Listen To Your Mother and being an audience member of Listen To Your Mother. Someone described it as a tame Vagina Monologs and I would have to agree (even though I’ve never attended a Vagina Monologs reading). The feeling you have coming away from watching Listen To Your Mother is a mix of girl power, adoration for every mom you meet and wanting to hug your own mom. Add in a rush of emotions that cover everything from heartbreak to hilarity and you are left feeling weepy and elated at the same time. It’s a heady mix.
This group of women were amazing. The topics covered adoption, redemption, postpartum depression, strength, healing, loss, insecurity, identity, mistakes, and chicken boobs.
My topic explored the generations of women who have helped shape who I am. You can read it here.
Thank you, Listen To Your Mother, for giving me an experience unlike any other…the chance to not only express my wonder and gratitude at motherhood and all that comes with it but share in the sisterhood of motherhood in a unique way.
Thank you to Sheradee Hurst Photography for all of the amazing photos. It takes a special person to capture the essence of an event, even in dim lighting.
Christine Carter
BRAVO BRAVO!! I’m just so happy that you dove into this incredible experience again, Stephanie- and I’m sad to see it end! (Why are they ending it?) You looked so beautiful- and I can’t wait to read what you shared. Clicking over now!