Well, I've learned a lot since then. My whole view on childbirth has changed. When I was first pregnant with our first baby, I met with a doctor a few times and decided that something didn't fit... there was a barrier and I wanted something more than the doctor patient type relationship. I called Toni Erickson and spoke with her over the phone. Immediately I was welcomed. She was warm, she was friendly and she, even from our first conversation, she encouraged me as a mother. I remember the paper work she sent me in the mail with her business card and her sweet hand writing on it saying, "Can't wait to meet you! Love Toni" We went to our first appointment unsure of what we would find. We found her house and parked in her driveway. We walked up the pathway to her front door. "No need to knock, just come on in" she'd say. So we came in and went down stairs where there was a warm fire place, sofas, pool table. And soon, there was Toni, coming out from her appointment with another client of hers. She smiled and welcomed us. After that night, Matt and I knew we had found what we were looking for. A midwife who was well educated and much experienced. She was extremely friendly and kind... she was vibrant.
From that point on, Toni was our midwife for our first three children. In between third and fourth baby, Toni was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease (2010). Last weekend, Toni went to be with Jesus.
As I reflect on our time with Toni, I see how much she really did shape so many things in me ... things that I am so thankful that I've learned. We, of course made the first step to meet with her but from then on, she did so much more than just oversea our pregnancy and labor. Toni showed us what loving care-giving looked like. She so patiently explained so many many things to our curious minds and ever asking questions. She showed us charts, took the time to show us how to read ultrasounds, she gave us resources, she spouted off little fascinating facts, she was known to help those who showed up at her door in labor with no insurance and no pay... she introduced me to herbal healing, she was convinced that the woman's body was extremely capable, she called me to check in on me, she had an amazing way of empowering me as a mother with her words, she was so excited when she heard Matt wished to catch the baby and encouraged his love for learning and involvement, she welcomed family members both young and old. She laughed a lot and hugged even more. Toni would always tell me she loved me... and I know she did.
See, people don't even have a clue as to what their missing out on until they meet a caregiver like that... we sure didn't!
Toni was married to her husband, Ken for over 50 years. They raised 10 children together. Toni wasn't afraid to give, serve and love. She worked well past retirement age and when I asked her when she planned on retiring, she would laugh and say, "What else would I do? I don't want to just sit around!" Well she sure didn't!
Toni became well known in the Seattle area and became very well respected umungst the labor and delievery professionals. There is even a birth position named after her "The Toni Erickson". She explained the position to me and the story behind it... a beautiful story in which gave her the desire to become a midwife... I am so glad she did.
... Thank you, Toni! We hold a very special place for you in our hearts!
