Thoughts and emotions
Some families worry that no one else will understand what they are going through. Others aren’t sure how to talk about everything that has happened. Here are some examples of how families navigate these feelings.
You can listen to two different family experiences below.
Elijah: Amani has a portable oxygen tank, which means I have to be careful of how much time I spend on errands. I plan ahead and take an extra tank in case we get stuck in traffic or wait longer than usual at the doctor’s office.
This used to make me anxious; but I have learned to adjust.
Things can feel lonely at times, because I don’t know other people who are going through something similar. And some days, I don’t feel like I have any time for myself.
I started seeing a therapist and that has helped. Going for walks when the weather is nice and my sister can watch her… that helps too.
Jane: I didn’t want to talk much about it, because I didn’t feel like anyone knew what I was going through.
But then I found Facebook groups of moms who went through similar things, and it really helped to talk to people who knew what I was going through. Even though I haven’t met any of them, since they live so far away, I feel like we have a special bond.
Over time, it hurt a little less, but it never fully went away. I don’t think it ever will.
Sometimes, I get sad out of nowhere. Then, I remind myself I did what felt right for Grace, and that helps some.
Grace made me a mom, and I am so thankful for that. Even with the hard parts, she made me into a better and stronger person, which I will carry with me forever.