The Bereaved Mother

I found this poem the other day and it couldn't have come at a better time. I definitely think God has a way of giving us exactly what we need, when we need it. The author is unknown, but I would like to thank this courageous [bereaved] mother for speaking her mind. THANK YOU for expressing so clearly, what we all would like to say.

The Bereaved Mother

To those who look away when I grow teary-eyed in the baby department. Look a little closer. Surely you have some compassion in your heart.

To those who change the subject when I speak of my baby. Change your way of thinking. It just might change your whole life.

To those who roll their eyes and say that we 'barely had them at all, how could we miss them so much?' In our hearts we have seen them live a thousand times. We have seen their first steps, first day of school, their weddings and their children. We had them forever in our minds.

To those who say we can have another. We may. But even if I have 20 more babies, I will forever have this one in the grave and that's one too many.

To those who say to get on with life. I have. It's a different life. The life of a grieving mother. One with a tremendous amount to be thankful for, but also one with a lot to mourn the loss of.

Do not judge the bereaved mother. She comes in many forms. She is breathing, but she is dying. She may look young, but inside she has become ancient. She smiles, but her heart cries.

She walks, she talks, she cooks, she cleans. She is, but she isn't all at once. She is here, but part of her is elsewhere for eternity.

Do not dismiss us. We have shaped more than just the future generation. We have released all the tiny angels who are watching over you.

Open your eyes to us and you just might see them.

~Author Unknown