📅 Date: June 23, 2025
🕓 Time: 6:19 AM

It’s 6:19 AM, and I’m sitting in the hospital, checked in since 5:15 for my 5:30 pre-op arrival. In just over an hour, I’ll be wheeled in for my tubal ligation procedure.

I’m calm. I’m ready. I’m claiming this chapter for peace.

This decision wasn’t one I wrestled with. It was one I walked toward—confidently and clearly. At 49, my body has done what it was supposed to do. We’ve created life, nurtured it, sustained it, and now… I’m making space to reclaim my body just for me.

But whew—today came fast.

What Pre-Op Looked Like

Yesterday, I had all the pre-op testing done.
I gave five vials of blood, had an EKG, and a mammogram.

But let me tell you… my veins were on strike.
They tried one arm. Nothing.
Tried the other. Got one vial—then had to throw it out because it started to clot before it even reached the lab.
That vein collapsed right in front of me. Have you ever seen a vein collapse? Terrifying and fascinating all at once.

Finally, they went for my hand—and bingo.
Third time’s the charm. 🙃

I left that appointment with five vials of blood missing, an EKG printout, and a mammogram that reminded me these girls are still hanging in there—defying gravity and everything else.

My Village Deserves a Standing Ovation

Let me take a moment to shout out my incredible support team:

💍 My husband — who woke up before Jesus to be here with me, laptop out, editing photos while I wait for surgery. You are my rock and my calm.

👵🏽👴🏽 My parents — who extended their vacation just to help us with the girls while I recover. Right now, they’re at home getting our daughters ready for camp and tutoring. Thank you for loving us the way you do.

👧🏽👧🏽 My daughters — who prayed with me last night, cracked jokes, gave the biggest hugs and kisses, and reminded me why I do all of this in the first place. I’m about to call you in a minute to wish you a great day. I love you endlessly.

👯‍♀️ My cousins — who’ve been at my house every day this past weekend, hugging me, laughing with me, and already texting my husband this morning waiting for the “she’s out and good” message.

👩🏽‍⚕️ My best friend — who happens to be a doctor and who went to med school with my OB. Thank you for giving this decision your blessing—it gave me peace.

🌍 My girls’ Godmother — texting me from Paris, trying to move your flight to be here for me. I had to make you stay and enjoy your vacation, but your love and loyalty mean everything.

🙏🏽 My aunts, uncles, and prayer warriors — you’ve been covering me in spirit and prayer, as always.

📲 My friends — who were up before dawn, calling, texting, and sending prayers before the sun even came up. It means more than you know to feel surrounded, covered, and remembered in moments like this. Y’all are my circle, my crew, my chosen family.

💻 And to you—my readers — the women and couples who’ve been where I am, or are headed here soon… thank you. Thank you for allowing me to share this journey publicly and imperfectly. It matters. You matter.

This blog isn’t just about a procedure.
It’s about power.
It’s about ownership.
It’s about choosing peace, on purpose.

Thanks for walking with me through this. I’ll check back in once I’m out of surgery.

See you on the other side 💪🏽🩺❤️
—Ronnie