Before I was a mother I used to think being the captain of my boat was the reason I’d arrive at my destination. That 'I' was the reason for my successful arrival at any given place and time. But it's not the sea captain that puts wind in the sails or water in the ocean. iBidAM is more than I had ever dreamed, because it became the dream of many. That dream had to begin somewhere. It had to be conceived. And as conception began in me, I guess that makes me the mother.
I conceived iBidAM late 2006. The pregnancy was a long one. One and a half years in fact. A lot of weight movements, back pain, head pain, stomach pain, nerves of inadequacy, contractions that turned out to be false alarms, mood swings, an undeniable glow of self worth, uncontrollable crying, bouts of raw laughter, sacrifice, pampering, quiet moments of reflection and most importantly a coming together of people to support the upbringing.
I went into labour July 2007, when a young man by the name of Lee Baker decided he would be the expert on delivery. He brought iBidAM into this world with such unwavering dedication he became the surrogate father. And that he is and more. There's been a lot of pushing and pulling. A lot of experts coming and going. But iBidAM wouldn't be here for you to witness today without the well executed skill and knowledge of the most remarkable group of people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. There's Frank Hemmings the MD, the humble mother of the mother in the background reminding me to push, push and making sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to. Jeff Walsh the IT Director wiping my brow, holding my hand, handing me the water just at the right time. Richardson O'Rourke and Summit the accountants, business advisors and investors paying the bills, keeping a roof over my head, David Windsor the lawyer ensuring a safe delivery, the team at Advance headed by matron Gabrielle McMillan running admin, Customer Service - you name it, a team of nurses who, well do as all nurses do, a bit of everything really, Juuce, ICO, Securepay, MECU, NAB, all in the OR ensuring iBidAM is successfully delivered into the world.
After 6 months of conception, 11 months of labour, I am very pleased to announce that in May 2008 iBidAM.com was born. Live here for the world to see. Every mother dreams of a healthy baby and wonders if it will be all that she dreamed it to be. Then after the long haul of pregnancy and the excruciating exhaustion of delivery, there it is. And it's not at all like this baby you imagined. It's not this perfect thing you had envisaged. No. It's the bare naked truth of all that you are. Wrapped up in purity. And you know that all the love you have been given in your life, is right there in front of you - and the privilege as the mother, you get to hold it in your arms, cherish every moment of it. You get to nurture it as it grows, as it soaks up all the light and love of the world. And it goes on to recreate itself anew. All the wonderful things you get to be a part of. You get to be a witness to all its first's. Stand next to it when it achieves great things. Catch it whenever it stumbles or falls. Teach it new tricks. You get to reap all the rewards. And you also get to be the one to clean up when it burbs, farts, snots, throws up and wipe its butt when it craps!
And you may think to yourself what an extraordinary way of starting this blog. What a strange analogy.
It's all I have in words that explains the depth of gratitude I feel to be a part of this. To be witness to this. To share in this. To be a part of bringing this to you. It's the only way I can describe what it is like to be so passionate about something, that it becomes your purpose to bring it to reality, and your pleasure to go through what ever it takes to share it with others. And although my greatest devotion is the love as a mother to my son Lochie, it can be comparable to the passion that has been dedicated by many to iBidAM.
And I’ve had my moment now, to sit and reflect on the overwhelming love and support I have been given by many, and tell you with the greatest joy, it is an honor to present to you iBidAM.com.
Let's begin the journey.
Sincerely,
Mum
Louise Schultze
CEO
