Trigger Warning: Miscarriage. 

What started as a way to have some fun, get in shape, and see what one of my best friends was so excited about, turned into something way more than I ever thought imaginable.  I never envisioned the sisterhood I would be embraced by and the support I would have.  

I’m going to tell you a quick story.  Within my intro class I could already see the fun and why my friend was so excited.  Within weeks of starting I felt the strength and toning.  And then I got pregnant.  After having many losses and some serious hemorrhaging, the protocol for that pregnancy was immediate bedrest.  So, I notified the studio I was pregnant and needed to go on leave.  I believe I was in my second week of intermediate at the time.  Unfortunately, after about 8 more weeks, bedrest was not the answer, and I lost that baby.  

I remember distinctly, it was a few days after my loss, and I decided I needed to contact the studio.  I also decided the best way to do that was to give them a call.  I often think about this and feel bad for the ever so kind and calm manager who answered that call.  I explained who I was, that I had been on leave, however, I lost my baby.  I had ended on the second week of the term and was wondering if I could come back as an intermediate.  She was amazing and empathetic and directed me on next steps. She offered deep compassion to me during a call I’m sure was very unexpected. 

About a week later, I received a card in the mail.  It was from Aerial Dance.  I started to cry.  These women.  Who I barely knew.  Who barely knew me.  This company that I assumed I was just considered another member to.  They took the time to personally write, sign, and send me a card. A day later, they sent me a text just gently reminding me to sign up for my first class.  They met me where I was.  They felt my pain and supported me.  They showed me what a sisterhood could be.  And those actions, in that moment, are a big part of the reason, 4 years later, I am still here. 

I don’t know of another space, another group of this many women, who want so passionately to support other women.  The sisterhood I joined when I joined Aerial Dance is one that has continued to bring me instrumental support throughout some of the most challenging of times.