Sunday, November 11, 2012

what part of this seems okay

A little over two weeks ago we found out that the baby we are expecting has HLHS.  The first few days after being told all I could do was cry.  I felt nauseous and couldn't breathe.  Danny and I both feel strongly that surgery is not the right option for her and that bringing her home after she is born would be a blessing if she can make it home.  I cried for the life I had created for her in my mind.  During this pregnancy, I have been trying not to think too far ahead for fear of what could change.  But around two weeks before we found out about her heart I began to let my guard down.  I thought about swimming lessons and swingsets and what school she would go to.  I thought about holidays and birthdays and how things might be different in our lives.  I cried because this is all washing away before my eyes.  I have been fearful to post about our decision, not because I question it, but because I am too weak and broken to face any criticism.   I am fearful that all of my heart mommies out there will think I have betrayed them or feel that I am questioning the choices they have made for their sweet babes.  

I don't want Finleigh to know the pain that Bridger did and I worry that she will think I do not love her as much as Bridger.  I feel like a BAD MOTHER for both of their broken hearts.  I am scared that we will not get to meet her in this life, but I know that is a very real possibility. 

I was very calm and peaceful this past week, enjoying the moments I have with her now.  Feeling her move inside of me, trying to convince myself that she is safe there.  I couldnt think about what is to come.

Today, while at the grocery store, I began to panic.  I saw the Christmas candy and heard a child crying and started losing my breath.  I hurried out to my car hoping to calm myself down, but with no avail.  I became hysterical, sobbing and furious.  I wanted to destroy something, break something, anything to stop this pain.  I don't know why this is happening AGAIN!  And though it will be very different from Bridger's life and death it is still the death of my child!  I AM NOT OKAY! THIS IS NOT OKAY!  I am planning a funeral for the life inside that I long to meet in this world.  I am buying fabric to make the dress she will be buried in.  I walk past the baby toys at the store knowing I will not be buying them for her because she will not live to an age to be able to use them.  At the cemetery, I will have two headstones with the names of our children engraved on them.  This does not make sense.  We have longed for a family and were given that blessing with Bridger for a short time.  I never thought we would dare to have  children again, then somehow, we decided to try again only to find ourselves with broken hearts as we hope to meet our sweet girl here on earth.

I am so angry right now, I cried so hard, my nose bled for an hour.  I am begging for guidance and strength and I continue to carry this sweet girl.  There are some who would like me to terminate to "save myself some grief"  this would not save me any grief, that would be that much sooner that she would be gone.  That much sooner I would have TWO dead children.  That is fine for them to have an opinion for what they would do, but I didn't ask what you would do and those that I have asked already have one dead child.  This is a bitter post because I am bitter.  If you do not like these words, please don't read!  This is my space, my outlet!

Bridger and Finleigh, mommy loves you!  I am sorry that I am so angry right now, but it is not at either of you!

9 comments:

Melissa said...

you are NOT a bad mother. You love so much. Heart Hugs!!

Anonymous said...

You could NEVER be a bad mother. You and Danny are putting the well-being of sweet Finleigh before your own wants and desires. You are far from a bad mother. And you are right...none of this is okay...Nothing about this makes sense...None of this is fair. I love you Staci...I'm always here. We can go break things...Maura

cici said...

Oh sweet girl. Never doubt your decision. You have indeed left it up to God.(A wise choice) I Pray and I will continue to Pray that Finleigh fools the Doctors as many HLHS babies have and is strong enough to have her medical needs met at Birth. If that is not God's plan, I Pray you can hold her and kiss her goodbye before she goes to be with Bridger.
Please let us know how you are doing. I think of you often.
xoxo

Petersen Palace said...

follow your heart and you will always make the right choice. You are a GREAT mother!

Christina said...

You get to make the decision that is right for your family and no one has the right to question that. I have so much admiration for you guys. Praying that you will feel the guidance and peace you need though this journey. Praying that you will have time with your sweet Finleigh!
Hugs!

Tracy said...

I'm so so Sorry. There now words for the pain you are going thru. Just know God has a plan that we can not see right now. Know that we your blog sister are here to hear you, cry with you and Pray for you. You are in our Prayers

RFamily said...

I have stumbled across your blog a few times and was shocked to come back and read about this diagnosis. My heart breaks for you guys. I am so sorry. So very sorry. I don't know why you have to go through this. I can say things about the eternal nature of families and the joy that you will have someday, but somehow that feels so very insensitive. I am saying a prayer for you to be able to find peace, and to be able to move forward with confidence.

The Campbells said...

Staci....you are not a bad mommy. You are amazing. Those babies are so lucky to have a mommy that loves them so much. All I can do is cry for and with you. None of this is fair and it seems like a nightmare. I'm sorry you have to go through this. I'm sorry for all the pain. I have no words....just know that you and your sweet baby are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you.
-Amanda

Heather said...

Well Damn it! I am so sorry Staci. I am at a loss. One thing I can tell you is you are far from a bad mother!!! You love your children and I have seen it first hand. YOU ARE NOT A BAD MOM!!! Not now, not ever. Only YOU can decide waht is best and to hell with everyone and their opinions!!

Heart mom loves!

Heather

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