Flashmob Surprises, Honors Midwife at Enzo’s

— from Kathi Ciskowski —

An Orcas flashmob gather at the Village Green to honor Melinda Milligan, retiring midwife.

Melinda Milligan was peacefully enjoying a visit with her friend, Artha Kass (who knew what was about to transpire), at Enzo’s on Monday afternoon, when the conversation was genially interrupted by a group of singing islanders heading straight for their table. Tiny babes strapped to mothers chests, some of those mums also pushing strollers with an older child along too; women with grey hair poking out from under warm caps; a few grateful dads and well-wishers, were all being led into the building by Al Bentley and his saxophone playing “For She’s a Jolly Good Midwife.”

Melinda Milligan responds to well-wishing flashmob at Enzo’s on Monday.

At 3 pm these people had gathered, in spite of the cold, at the Village Green in order to “flash mob” Melinda in thanks for her years of midwifery service and in honor of her impending retirement from that aspect of her medical work. Organizers of the event, Laurie Gallo and Emily Birky, had managed to contact many of the women who had been the recipients of Melinda’s birthing services over many, years and, along with the singing and well wishes, a card and memorabilia were delivered to the table. A surprised Melinda had a chance to hug and visit with everyone, especially the children whom she had helped bring into the world.

As we mingled, Jenn Vollmer told me her story about the birth of her 8 year old son, Max. She said she will never forget how much Melinda empowered her after Jenn said something during the birth about “when you (Melinda) deliver the baby” and Melinda looked at her and said, “When YOU deliver Max.” It had a huge impact.

The general consensus among the mothers was that Melinda not only had remarkable skills but was a very “grounding” presence through this precious birth time. As one of those mothers (child now 28) I could only concur with those observations and add my own gratitude to Melinda for choosing Orcas Island as her home and midwifery as her profession. And finally…for another time, I have a really good story about us all flying off in a small plane on a dark and stormy night for that delivery!