Testimonials from Participants of MotherTree Projects
I didit! And I can't believe it's over! What an amazing experience it all was, from all sorts of directions. But you're probably tired of hearing how creative, clever, inspirational and fantastic you are, so I'll stop boring you! Jesus, Nan. There simply are no words that can possibly cover the experience, the emotions, the energy. (like the alliteration??) Will things be "normal" tomorrow? What happens in life after earth-shaking experiences, I wonder. Nan, really I can't tell you what this has meant to me: literally, I don't think I've processed it yet!! Mind-blowing. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Women’s lives are so complex, so full and often so beautiful, yet in ordinary life we have so few opportunities to share our experiences, pains and joys with each other. You have allowed this to happen. You have challenged us to believe that our stories are important and special and meaningful to others.
I think that I have fallen in love with you a little bit this year – or perhaps without even realizing it, I have fallen back in love with myself because of you. I remember telling you not that long ago that I am a writer not writing, a lover not loving, a leader not leading…well because of you I have had a taste – after years of slow shut-down.
The adage goes “It takes a village to raise a child”; and oh, what a brainchild this village has raised. It is so much more than just the performance that the audience will see; it is many months in the making, risk taking, creative stretch; it is soul stories bared and shared, comfort-zones challenged and companionships created; it has kindled connections to our community, to other women to ourselves.
Anna has opened all kinds of doors with the MOM Project that might have forever been sealed. She gave each of us a voice, permission to use it, a place to share secrets, and somehow, a very healthy dose of courage. In doing so, she allowed us to honestly explore to find the joy and pain and a cocktail full of other emotions. I see and I feel clearly how much I have in common with other women. Although I may feel alone sometimes – I now know I’m not. Our stories are unique but we are intertwined by our experiences. And being part of that web makes me feel safe and strong.
In a perfect world, every new mom would have to take a workshop with Anna to learn how patience, good humour and encouragement help to make a young person (or an old person) grow.
I cannot tell you how profoundly the experience of the MOM Project has touched my heart and my larger life. From the very first meeting, it cast its magical spell on all of the women, and friendships have been forged through endurance!
Thank you for teaching me to believe in what can’t be seen; to trust in process; and of all to have faith that when I leap the net will appear.
Thank you for this writing opportunity. It’s something I love to do. Thank you for gently leading me to the stage. Who would have thought I’d find myself there! This project has special appeal for me. As a librarian, a promoter of stories in all the modern formats, I love participating in this more traditional mode – the simple use of our voices. I trusted you and you were right. Thank you too for trusting me.
The past few months have meant so much to me. Your vision, constant kindness, guidance and encouragement during my participation have enabled me (and all the others) to witness the power of women joined together in a wonderful common goal. There are so many stories that need to be told. Be sure to come back, we need you.
Congratulations on creating something beautiful for mothers that encourages us to celebrated, grieve, giggle, shout, whisper, love and cry. I will always remember how you took a pile of writing fragments and wove them together in such a magnificent way. Your ability to choose just the right bits to include was remarkable. You have done something that will leave a legacy of humanity that encompasses all the facets of motherhood.
Thank you for removing barriers in my life and broadening my life goals and expectations that will move my life to a deeper, more meaningful level. Thank you for being an amazing director and life coach.
With your vision, creativity, passion, guts, compassion, integrity, patience and loving kindness you pulled us women together and created a very special piece of art. Although sometimes it scared the hell out of me, I’m thrilled with all the fun and exciting things we’re able to do together. I can’t tell you what a blessing it’s been being part of this exciting experience.
I I never thought that I would be able to do such a thing as this in my life! Your patience, humour, kind words of encouragement, and of course your acting and teaching expertise have provided me with the confidence to perform the amazing pieces. I can’t forget to mention that reassurances that I AM A GOOD MOTHER.
Thank you for helping me to see so many of my gifts. I had no idea I was so blessed. I will continue to write down my stories. There are several more that have begun to grow. This experience has changed me forever.
When I first signed on to the project, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into and I am now grateful for that absence of foresight. Instead of ending up a member of the audience wistful and melancholy at my lack of courage to take part, I took a giant leap, albeit in carefully measured steps each precipitated by a gentle nudge, poke or prod from you but a giant leap nonetheless outside of my personal comfort zone and I am forever enriched for it.
Your gift to me is this: Maybe I can’t say I “conquered”, but I sure as hell “beat back” that fear of being onstage. I am so outside my comfort zone I’m almost right back in. And maybe that’s the trick? And yes, you do see MUCH more from the edge. Thanks for encouraging me to stop to the edge and for always making sure I don’t fall over.