One More Thing

There was one piece of Virgin River by Robyn Carr that I was surprised to enjoy. The pregnancies and delivery stories. They were actually some of my favorite bits.

I’ve had an interesting relationship with this area of life. I’ve mentioned I never wanted to be a mother until I met my husband. My first two pregnancies were tough. I couldn’t work. I was sick all the time. My third pregnancy was better, but I still felt like a prisoner in my own body. I really hated being pregnant.

Except when they moved around. That was my favorite.

I also do prenatal and postnatal massage. I really like working with these clients. Being able to ease their anxieties and help support them through the journey. I really encourage that postnatal massage about 2-3 months after delivery. It does wonders to gently support the body as it heals from its trials. It’s incredible what our bodies go through, however we deliver.

After three of my own deliveries, I couldn’t watch them on tv. It’s too much. They’re always so intense, life-threatening, and fearful. Even the beautiful variations are too much.

So I was unsure of how I was going to respond to this aspect of the book. I skip these scenes in the show. My deliveries, while never necessarily life threatening, were all difficult. Long. Exhausting affairs. I have been working through my trauma because it’s also wrapped up in a lot of joy. Extremes are difficult for me. The middle is more comfortable. More stable.

I didn’t skip these scenes in the book. They’re softer on the page. More compassionate than in the show. I appreciate the approach to it all. I think it was helpful to have this solid character who decides the outlook. Sees what’s happening and knows what to do. The author plays less to the fear and more towards respect. I really appreciated it.

I also want to note that the sex scenes are beautiful. They’re more emotional sensory driven than physical. The scenes last long enough to not get uncomfortable and fit perfectly within the narrative.

I really appreciate the emotional focus of this novel. The multi-perspective approach allows for a deeper connection to these characters and the community that makes the town thrive. It’s a beautiful story.