Laura Lawrence hosts the two-year anniversary of Strong as a Mother series in Melfort. (Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Coffee and Conversation

Strong as a Mother series celebrates two years

Nov 19, 2020 | 1:30 PM

It has been two years since Laura Lawrence hosted her first Strong as a Mother event in Melfort.

The coffee and conversation series has gained popularity with women in the community and that was evident last night as a socially distanced crowd still attended.

Lawrence who is the owner of MindBody Balance Therapies said although it was a smaller crowd and everyone was wearing masks, the same goal was accomplished.

“The series allows women to be able to come together, share, heal, empower, inspire, uplift and talk about the motherhood things that we don’t often talk enough about,” Lawrence said.

Typically, the event has a panel of speakers but since it was the two year anniversary, Lawrence was in the hot seat to answer questions on topics that all women can relate to. Lawrence invited her friend and the owner of Collective Soul Society in Tisdale, Andrea Lutz to interview her for the evening.

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The strength of the event has always been the women coming together and sharing physical space and to hold space for one another according to Lawrence.

“The laughter is huge, and we could all use a lot more that right now,” Lawrence said. “Things feel tense in a lot of our lives and a lot of different areas of it.”

With public gatherings limited to 30 people, Lawrence is hoping to host another event for the second anniversary for those that couldn’t get tickets.

Lawrence looked back to her first event when she thought it would be a one-time thing.

“Quickly I found that the moms, the sisters, and the daughters loved it and they couldn’t wait until the next one,” Lawrence said.

Strong as a Mother was able to continue in the spring when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down these types of events but in a virtual way. The in-person events returned in September at the Kerry Vickar Centre performing arts theatre due to having more space for social distancing.

Last night’s event was the first with the mandatory masks in public indoor spaces mandate in Melfort. Those who felt uncomfortable attending but had already purchased tickets were able to view the conversation online.

“Strong as a mother has its own energy with it and it’s not because of me but because of the women who continue to show up for themselves and one another,” Lawrence said.

Continuing to host the women who have been so supportive up to now is more important than ever for Lawrence who can recognize the tough times for everyone with the pandemic restrictions and constant changes.

“I think we were able to lift a lot of spirits and we really got to just think about other things for once instead of the noise and stress and anxiety that we are all swimming in these days,” Lawrence said.

If there is anyone that is having a tough time mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, Lawrence encourages them to reach out to a trusted loved one or call the help line.

“There are a lot of people that are struggling with mental health at this time and I think that is often overlooked,” she said.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser