Much like adolescence, matrescence names the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual shifts that occur as a woman becomes a mother. While I birth a new life, I too am being reborn. It is profound, a bit disorienting, remarkably expansive, and deeply sacred all at once. Send me love for the beginning of this journey, cousins.

While I will deeply miss our organizational partners and my extraordinary team, I am also wholeheartedly leaning into this new season. I am excited to slow down, to listen, and to get to know this new tiny human who will soon join our family. It is super humbling to be invited into relationship with a life we have yet to meet.

During my 4 months away, Tina Cruz-Hubbard will serve as Open Horizon’s Acting Executive Director. I have full confidence in her leadership and in the strength of our team to continue carrying our work forward with care, integrity, and excellence. Erin O. Crosby, Ed.D. will be available for any inquiries or needs related to programs. Cristina D.will be available for any outreach related to operations. I will not be checking my email while on parental leave; if you want me to receive the email, please send it after July 10.

In alignment with traditional practices of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, our family will observe a period of seclusion and grounding. We will not leave our home for at least the first 30 days, dedicating that time to bonding, healing, prayer, and establishing rhythms as a new family of (soon-to-be) five, yes that includes our 2 doggies Pumpkin and Sammy. This intentional beginning feels both culturally grounding and personally right for us.

Thank you to everyone who has shared encouragement and support (and even some advice) in these past 9+ months. You have given me life and infused my spirit with joy and peace. You have all been a gift to share this experience with and I feel blessed to be in this moment. This hopeful moment that we all need and deserve right now. I look forward to reconnecting in July — with new stories, new perspectives, a new OH family member, and perhaps a bit less sleep.

With love and gratitude,

D’Lynn Jacobs, Executive Director, Open Horizon