Author note: Many years ago I wrote this article and it seems like an important time to post again and reflect on how to support those who are hurting. Give yourself and others the grace needed during these complicated times. Mother’s Day can be a miserable day. Countless women and children mourn for a mother-child relationship that is not as it… Read More
On February 2, my family and I remembered our son Zachariah who was stillborn thirteen years ago. The notes, flowers, and words of comfort we continue to receive from friends and family are precious. Thank you. When people are reminded of how long it has been, often they say, “Oh, he would have been a teenager.” Painful words of what… Read More
Twelve years ago, our son died. The next day he was born, still. I know. It is backwards. There is nothing right about a child dying. Words often fail to capture our emotions. Either we cannot speak or there are no words. As a loving tribute to Zachariah, I share this poem. Twelve Years Unspoken Entering my… Read More
A beautiful pine tree, slowly dying, stood in our front yard. Realizing we would lose the tree brought sadness. My daughters enjoyed sitting on its low branches, especially when watching for their grandparents to arrive. It was their waiting place. My eight-year-old daughter knew that the tree was going to be cut down. Still, when the day came, it… Read More
After hearing about the massacre of children and adults in a Connecticut elementary school, my heart ached for the families involved. The scope of their agony went beyond my imagination. In response to the killings, many parents commented about wanting to hug their children extra tight that night. While I could clearly understand why people felt that way, I realized… Read More
This Mother’s Day, I look forward to sharing it with my amazing daughters. They are the world to me, and I am honored to be their mom. I am also a mother to my son, Zachariah, who was stillborn 11 years ago. I share this post in hope that mothers who are grieving the loss of a child will find… Read More
Writing about grief brings the honor of listening to others’ stories of loss. In those stories, I hear pain but also tributes of love. Parents grieving for a daughter, 47 years later. A husband missing his beloved wife for 20 years. A couple grieving for a child as intensely now as when he died a year ago. People move on… Read More
