Remembering our precious Lucas Henry
The complicated mixture of joy and sadness that comes with a new baby after loss. We welcomed our daughter Lyra Joy in February. She weighed 4 pounds 10 ounces...2 ounces smaller than her big brother Luke. She was not quite as long as he was. Lyra was also early; almost the exact same amount of … Continue reading On rainbows, laughter, and tears
Holidays, particular Christmas, are rough for grievers. (Author's note: published a bit late!) Holidays tend to magnify emotions. Grief is no exception. It has been rough recently; Thanksgiving through Christmas is a tough stretch. Christmas is a time of happiness and joy for children, a source of wonderment as wishes are fulfilled and gifts are … Continue reading Holidays…not always merry and bright
What to do on an anniversary of such conflicting emotions...pain, grief, guilt, pride...a day of mourning and celebration. November 9th. It is November 9th. Again. Somehow. Has it really been a year? It is almost unfathomable to believe that one year ago today our lives were shattered and everything changed, in an instant. Luke's first … Continue reading Luke’s First Birthday
A few initial lessons learned on a personal journey of infant loss, and the grief encompassing it It has been over ten months now since our beloved son, Luke, was born still at 34 weeks and 2 days. It has been the worst ten months of my life. Some days are worse than others - … Continue reading What I’ve learned from grief (so far)
Rambling thoughts on a first Father's Day following the loss of a son. Trigger warning: infant loss, grief, sadness Today is a difficult day. It is Father's Day. Used to be pretty simple - I would honor my own father as well as the other fathers in my life: my brother, cousins, friends, co-workers. Now...all … Continue reading Father’s Day is Hard – But I’m a Father, too…
Often, I think people probably assume those experiencing the depths of grief are sad all of the time. While this is true, there are certainly happy moments or times of positivity and even joy. Grief is complicated. After our son Luke was born still last November, we were plunged into a new cavern of grief. … Continue reading Pets – A Light in the Darkness of Grief
Mother's Day used to be so simple. I was a young boy, and I gave my mommy a card and hugs. Maybe I made something for her myself - I honestly can't even remember. And I wouldn't forget my grandmothers, of course. It was a simple day for a child - you love your mother … Continue reading Mother’s Day is for all Mothers
Sharing a few short thoughts on a sunny, painful day It's a beautiful day - spring is in the air. Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, people are out and about exercising, and mothers and fathers are pushing strollers along the streets. Amazing weather; but still it's a hard day. One may think a beautiful … Continue reading The beautiful days are often the hardest…
I wish everyone a happy Valentine's Day, for those spending time with their special ones, or thinking of their Valentines near, far, or even beyond. A poem On this Valentine's Day,Three hearts I'm keeping near.Though only two are here with me,I hold them all most dear.One - my beautiful wife.My partner, brave and true.Amazing, she … Continue reading A Valentine’s Day Poem
A father’s raw, stream-of-consciousness thoughts on a son lost far too soon. Trigger warning: infant loss, grief The saying goes that a picture is worth a thousand words. For those lucky enough to be blessed with a child, born or unborn, a picture is really worth a thousand dreams. The picture above certainly is. Infinite dreams … Continue reading A Grief Observed – Lucas Henry, on his due date
Our Luke 