The atmosphere is strikingly familiar. The scents and sounds transport me back to a time four years ago when my family spent nearly six months in this very place. It feels as though we never truly left—everything is so recognizable, yet a part of me feels as if it happened in another lifetime. Instead of being a patient today, I’m merely a visitor at our local hospital. As I wandered through the lobby, I heard my name called out. I turned to see a stranger approaching me, walking briskly.
“You may not remember me, but I was there when you gave birth,” she said. “I recall your children, Natalie and Ethan, along with your surviving twin, Mia.”
My heart raced, and a lump formed in my throat as shock washed over me. The names she spoke are those of my triplets, names that we invoke daily in our home. While our sole surviving child, Mia, is a name many recognize, it’s rare to hear the names of my two children who are no longer with us.
Tears filled my eyes as this stranger recounted that fateful day, June 23, 2019. It turns out she was a nurse on the delivery floor during that chaotic time, working tirelessly to save my family amidst the turmoil of life and death. I vividly remember the whirlwind of doctors and nurses rushing in and out of the room, desperately trying to save our premature triplets, and ultimately, my own life.
While some may think that mentioning a deceased child’s name is insensitive, for bereaved parents, it is quite the opposite. As time marches on, the loss of a child can fade into the background of daily life. Not a day goes by without my family thinking of Natalie and Ethan. Yet, as we navigate our grief, the world around us continues to move forward.
Over time, I have forged a new routine as a mother of children both here and in heaven. To outsiders, my family may appear picture-perfect, but so much remains unseen. People notice only Mia walking beside us, unaware that she is a triplet, with her brother and sister having lived for less than two months. Although I cherish sharing the stories of all my children, society often discourages grieving parents from voicing their losses. The thought of a child passing away can lead to discomfort and sympathetic glances, creating an awkward silence that sometimes prevents us from mentioning our beloved angels.
As I stood in that hospital lobby with tears streaming down my cheeks, the nurse enveloped me in a warm hug. This stranger, who had approached just moments ago, felt more like an old friend. She was one of the few people to have met my triplets, and an instant bond formed between us in that brief encounter.
“I’m so grateful you took the time to stop me,” I said, my eyes misty. “Hearing my children’s names means more than you know.”
The nurse smiled, assuring me, “I will always remember your family and your three children.”
Though I have only one child to hold, Natalie and Ethan will forever occupy a special place in my heart. It took a chance meeting with a stranger to remind me that it doesn’t matter how long my children were here; they existed, and they will never be forgotten. If you want to learn more about fertility treatment, this excellent resource from March of Dimes can guide you. Also, if you are interested in home insemination, consider checking out our insightful post on choosing the right artificial insemination kit.
In summary, the experience of meeting someone who shared a connection with my children brought a wave of comfort and affirmation to my heart. It emphasized the importance of acknowledging and remembering our loved ones, even in the face of loss.