The TODAY Parenting Team is a community of parents sharing the ups and downs of parenthood.

Parents, you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Or just as likely, we’ve got questions and you’ve got answers.

Challenge: Pregnancy and Infant Loss

To the Baby I Never Got to Meet

Published on May 9, 2020

1
Vote up!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email this article

To the Baby I Never Got to Meet

6 / 10 / 19

Dear Baby I Never Got to Meet,

Maybe you were just a line on a Dollar Store test. Maybe you were a special secret only I carried, just like I was the only one every to hold you. But you were mine. Ever so briefly. Not for long enough.

You both gave me faith by your presence, and broke my faith with your absence. Only to learn that same faith was all that would get me through.

I know in my heart of hearts you were perfect. Even if your developmental differences were what kept you from my arms to begin with. I, with some time and perspective, am so glad you didn’t suffer the pain those differences would have brought you just so I could hold you.

But then, I am human and I want to hold you. An ache that is more than need to hold you. Having your siblings makes me know just how special you are. How you unique.

If only I wouldn’t have gone on that run/eaten that food/drank that drink. If only I would have been better maybe I would have gotten to keep you. The nonsensical guilt and blame come in waves just like the grief. The ultimate mom guilt playing a nasty game of tug of war with my heart strings. Even though my rational side knows better.

If only I could talk about you instead of keep you secret. If only I could stop those well meaning strangers with their “helpful” words cut like daggers: “At least you’re young” ” “At least you weren’t far along” “At least you can get pregnant”. Maybe they are right in some ways, but no. You are not ever a “least”, but a MOST my darling.

There are days you are not on my mind as much, and that does not mean I don’t love you or that you don’t matter. It means that you are such a part of my heart that God has granted me the grace to live with the grief of your loss.

But then there are other days. Significant dates. Due date. Loss dates. Birth dates. When swells of emotions threaten to sweep over the flood gates.

I hold on firmly to your sweet siblings as I imperfectly parent them. I would have made just as many mistakes with you, sweet baby. I trust that you are waiting for me in a place where I can hold you one day. Where the whole in my heart left by the absence of you will be filled many times over.

Until that day, sweet baby, I will think about you. I will pray for all of the other mamas and babies. I will grit my teeth as certain calendar dates draw near.

I love you, dear baby. Thank you for making me a mama. Even if I never got to hold you.

XOXO,

Mom

To-the-Baby-I-Never-Got-to-Meet.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1

This post comes from the TODAY Parenting Team community, where all members are welcome to post and discuss parenting solutions. Learn more and join us! Because we're all in this together.



You'll Also Like

To the Woman Who Minimized the Loss of My Baby
NICU mamas: It is OK to grieve
The Secret Competition in the Baby Loss Club