I know many of my readers are women, but there are definitely dads in our community as well. Men are so often forgotten in the overwhelming experience of a pregnancy loss. It can be easy to forget, when it's the woman who is going through the physical process of miscarrying or giving birth to a stillborn baby. And with the societal pressure on men to be strong in the face of sadness, it might seem like most dads aren't affected by pregnancy loss.
For those of my readers who are fathers themselves, or the significant other of a father who has lost a child, you know that's not the case. There are so many paths through grief, and no one's way is the wrong way. As long as it's getting you through, and helping you assimilate this experience into your life, it's effective grief.
Fathers' Day is, of course, one of those occasions when grief can be more acute. Now that the holiday is just around the corner, I'd like to wish you all the best for the day.
If this is your first Fathers' Day after a pregnancy loss: I hope you find comfort and support from the special people in your life.
To those of you who will celebrate Fathers' Day with your living children: I hope the joy you find in your sons or daughters helps you remember your children who have died fondly and bittersweetly.
May all of you pass this holiday with good friends and family who offer you exactly what you need, whether that is a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, a distracting getaway, or a joyful celebration of memory.
Happy Fathers' Day.
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