Hey there, friend. Over the years, I’ve faced a mountain of criticism—everything from “You’re too loud!” to “You look ridiculous!” As a television news anchor, it’s part of the job; not everyone will be your biggest fan. I’ve learned to accept that, but it took time. However, nothing prepared me for the wave of judgment that came when my family opened up about our heartbreaking journey of child loss through major media outlets. Suddenly, my story about two little angels and one incredible survivor was out there for everyone to see—and not everyone had kind words.
Recently, I shared a photo of my daughter, Lily, at a Children’s Miracle Network event (she’s one of their miracle kids). That’s when I received a comment that really hit me hard. Someone wrote: “She’s beautiful and a miracle. BUT, have you ever thought that Lily might feel overshadowed by the mention of her siblings? You always talk about them. Focus on her.”
Wow. In that moment, I felt a wave of sadness wash over me. It’s taken me a while to regain my sense of self after the loss of my children, and reading that comment was like a gut punch. I wanted to respond with all the feelings I had bottled up. “You have no idea what I’ve been through!” I thought. But instead, I took a deep breath and stepped away from my computer. I understand that sharing my life online invites opinions—good and bad.
When I did respond, I explained how we make it a point to celebrate Lily every day. My blog followers know that what people see on social media is just a glimpse of our life. The commenter later apologized, but I still find myself replaying her words in my mind.
To the woman who judged my parenting, I wish you could walk in my shoes, even if just for a day. Not only am I a first-time mom, but I’m also navigating the complexities of raising a child while holding onto the memory of my two lost little ones. Lily is an extraordinary child who deserves to be celebrated for who she is now, but I will never forget that she was part of a trio. It’s a balance we’re learning to navigate together.
So, to you, who questioned my parenting—please cut me some slack. I’m doing my best, and I’m proud of the mother I’m becoming. If you’re interested in more about family journeys and home insemination, check out this post on intracervicalinsemination.com. For anyone looking for solid information on this topic, visit Make a Mom, they’re a great resource. And for insights on fertility, Science Daily has you covered.
In summary, sharing my story has opened the door to both support and criticism. It’s a journey of love, loss, and learning every day.