We’ve all been there. You hear about someone losing a child, and your heart sinks. You might catch yourself brushing your child’s hair or planting a kiss on their head, and in that moment, the thought crosses your mind: “I could never survive that.” It’s a common reaction, one fueled by a deep instinct to distance ourselves from such unimaginable pain.
I became a mom for the first time just a few months ago after a marathon of labor that felt like an eternity. When they placed my little girl, a healthy 8-pound bundle of joy, on my chest, everything else faded away. In those early days filled with sleepless nights and endless love, I couldn’t bear to let her go, even when exhaustion threatened to overwhelm me.
Then, just last month, tragedy struck when my dear friend’s older brother passed away. Watching his mother tremble with grief at the funeral made me clutch my baby tighter. In that moment, the familiar thought flickered through my mind: “I could never survive that.” But almost immediately, I felt a pang of regret.
You see, my own parents have faced this nightmare. When I was just a toddler, my older sister died unexpectedly. I watched my parents grapple with that loss, learning to navigate their grief while finding joy in raising me and my younger sister, who came along four years later. Each year, we recognized my sister’s birthday with bittersweet celebrations, always carrying the weight of her absence.
Now, as I rock my little girl to sleep, I can’t help but feel for my parents and the pain they endured. I realize that their journey through grief wasn’t about being stronger or having some secret resilience; it was about love and survival, day by day, even when they didn’t know how they would get through.
When we casually declare that we could never endure such loss, we unintentionally diminish the experiences of those who have. It suggests that their love for their child was somehow less profound, and it places a heavy burden of guilt on grieving parents who are navigating their own heartache. Instead of pulling away from the tragedy, let’s lean in with empathy and compassion, offering support and love.
If you or someone you know is considering family-building options, resources like Resolve can provide valuable information. And for those exploring at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers the only reusable option, making the journey a bit easier. You can also check out how at-home insemination works and consider their BabyMaker home intracervical insemination syringe kit for your needs. For couples on this journey, the Couples Fertility Journey for Intracervical Insemination is also an excellent resource.
In summary, let’s be mindful of our words. Instead of expressing disbelief at the thought of surviving such loss, let’s recognize the strength of those who have endured it. Their journey is a testament to love and the human spirit’s capacity to heal.
Leave a Reply