Wednesday, September 16, 2009

The veil

It is a sobering fact that birth and death are closely related. Flip sides of the same coin. Thankfully, birth and death are usually spaced far apart in one's life.

Not always, though.

This month, two of my dear clients have lost their babies, much too soon. Both babies passed from their bodies within 9-10 days of each other. The first in the 26th week of pregnancy, the second in the 33rd week or pregnancy. Otherwise known as intrauterine fetal demise. I don't like that term, though. It sounds much too cold to describe something that deserves all the compassion we can muster.

As a midwife, this felt like a bad dream. Could this really be true? I felt like my heart had been riped out.

The days and weeks that followed have been a time that I can only describe with one word: humbling. I have been in utter awe at the strength of each of these women, in birthing their babies and subsequently saying goodbye to them, and each of these families, in grieving and doing the hard work of moving forward and healing. These babies were/are both dearly loved and very much wanted.

I cannot describe in words how these two babies have touched my life and my work. They will never be forgotten, and will be loved and remembered. Though their time with us was much too short, the gifts each baby gave to all of us whose lives they touched are many.

9 comments :

Lisa Barrett said...

Heart felt love to you and the families.

WiseWoman said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Lennon.
Gloria Lemay

WiseWoman said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Lennon. Love Gloria
http://www.glorialemay.com/blog

Amy M said...

I am so sorry. The families are blessed to have you caring for them through this tragic time. Love to you, sweet Lennon.

Lee said...

xox It's been such a huge lesson/gift for me, too.

spiralmama said...

My heart goes out to you and all the families who were/are touched by the sweet little souls.

chanceofbooks said...

You are so loved. The families are so lucky to have you.

Susannah said...

They (and you) have been deeply in my thoughts of late. I wish much love, compassion, support, and ultimately healing for all of you. <3

Anonymous said...

A very good friend and client just lost her baby and birthed at 21 weeks. we are both struggling with the new norm; thank you for posting these stories.