Not my words...

But so, so true.

I don't know how many of you have come across this poem before. I haven't until today, and though I am not usually in the habit of posting other people's words to this site, this one really, really struck me.

For all my pregnancy after loss mommas, for those trying for rainbow babies, and those feeling too afraid to ever try again, this is for you.

A Different Child

A Poem

A different child,

People notice

There's a special glow around you,

You grow

Surrounded by love,

Never doubting you are wanted;

Only look at the pride and joy

In your mother and father's eyes.

And if sometimes

Between the smiles

There's a trace of tears,

One day

You'll understand.

You'll understand

There was once a different child

Who was in their hopes and dreams.

That child will never outgrow the baby clothes.

That child will never keep them up at night.

In fact, that child will never be of any trouble at all

Except sometimes, in a silent moment,

When mother and father miss so much

That different child.

May hope and love wrap you warmly

And may you learn the lesson forever

How infinitely precious

How infinitely fragile

Is this life on Earth.

One day, as a young man or woman

You may see another mother's tears

Another father's silent grief

Then you, and you alone

Will understand

And offer the greatest comfort.

When all hope seems lost,

You will tell them

With great compassion,

"I know how you feel.

I am only here

Because my mother tried again."

Written by Pandora Diane MacMillan