Bread, Wine, Salt

“I still think you should be a doula.” It was one of those big dinner outings, where you're ostensibly out with 20 people, but really you can only talk to 4 or 5 other people because the table is so long and the restaurant is so loud. “I'd love to be able to do that for my friends.” Three people and one conversation down the table the pregnant woman said “Ooo.” We both leaned forward and around to make eye contact. “Think about it.” I said, trying not to get my hopes up. “I will.” she promised. I vowed to say nothing more, not wanting to be pushy, not expecting to hear about it again. But a couple of weeks later she did bring it up. She asked what I would do as her doula. When I answered she nodded and said only “Yes.” I was excited and giddy and humbled to be invited into such an intimate space. And also, a bit worried. What if I'm really bad at it? We arranged to meet to talk about what she needs from me. It seemed straightforward. I read through m...