Nooooo! I just read this and am so sad this happened. We had months to prepare and try and remind everyone that our child was a gift and you had to do it instantly without warning. Nothing is easy in either regard… I feel like people were excited for Sammy, but the main two who were “from their hearts,” was our cardiologist who is one of our favorite people in the world, and the head of developmental peds…
We never wanted Sammy to suffer with the ailments they found in utero… but we never questioned how much we loved him. I’m sorry you had to hear I’m sorry about his precious birth!
Thank you, Julie! I was sad and mad, but over time I think the people I am sorry for are people like that doctor. My life, while not easy, is rich and full and beautiful in so many ways thanks in part to my son. I am stronger, more thankful, I have deeper connections, more meaningful conversations, a greater sense of appreciation of the little things, and have been able to more fully embrace myself just as I am.
Great letter. The attitudes of medical staff make all the difference to the birth experience. We had awful staff for our first birth who asked my mum if she really needed a wheelchair when she came to visit me (yes really) and threw back the curtains when we were taking communion and told my husband off for walking around holding our son! For our daughter's birth we mainly had staff who were kind and caring.
Yes, processing the diagnosis of your child with a disability takes time. I'm still in the process of this for a second time with a second child. But now that I'm making some progress, my drive to share about it is increasing.
Nooooo! I just read this and am so sad this happened. We had months to prepare and try and remind everyone that our child was a gift and you had to do it instantly without warning. Nothing is easy in either regard… I feel like people were excited for Sammy, but the main two who were “from their hearts,” was our cardiologist who is one of our favorite people in the world, and the head of developmental peds…
We never wanted Sammy to suffer with the ailments they found in utero… but we never questioned how much we loved him. I’m sorry you had to hear I’m sorry about his precious birth!
Thank you, Julie! I was sad and mad, but over time I think the people I am sorry for are people like that doctor. My life, while not easy, is rich and full and beautiful in so many ways thanks in part to my son. I am stronger, more thankful, I have deeper connections, more meaningful conversations, a greater sense of appreciation of the little things, and have been able to more fully embrace myself just as I am.
Great letter. The attitudes of medical staff make all the difference to the birth experience. We had awful staff for our first birth who asked my mum if she really needed a wheelchair when she came to visit me (yes really) and threw back the curtains when we were taking communion and told my husband off for walking around holding our son! For our daughter's birth we mainly had staff who were kind and caring.
Yes, processing the diagnosis of your child with a disability takes time. I'm still in the process of this for a second time with a second child. But now that I'm making some progress, my drive to share about it is increasing.
Brava, Emily. ❤️