Children/Loss/Life/Values

Most of the people I know, have children. Most of the people I know have been lucky, and had healthy children. There are so many people that don't get lucky. They are met with the devastating reality of children passing away before their time. Either from birth defects, unknown causes, or the silent killer SIDS. Everyday I hold my babies tight (yes, even my older ones) because tomorrow is never promised. I don't ever want to have to bury a child. Accidents are accidents because they can't be predicted. They can be prevented, but not always. As parents we love our children, most parents love their children more then their own lives. Many parents that have lost a child, ask why? why my baby? this loss does not dissipate with time. Everyday is a struggle and a battle to go on without this little person that you thought would always be there. Bonding begins from conception, because you share the same space with this little person, for however long you are given. Some people are lucky to be given years and years, others mere weeks or months.

For those that are fed up with their children for behavioral reasons. For those at their wits end, be thankful you have children. Be thankful they are healthy and alive. There are people out there that struggle to conceive and carry a child to fullterm.

I do also have friends that have suffered a loss. I have friends that have children that due to their genetic disorder are one of the lucky ones to have survived.

In our busy lives sometimes we forget the struggles of others. We forget the value of life, and how very precious it is. Old or young, child, mother, grandmother we are all loved by someone. I've had friends that have taken their own lives. I ask you what does death fix? In this life it doesn't fix anything, but bring others to the shattering reality that they won't ever see you again. I can't even begin to understand why anyone would do that. Love brings us closer to those that mean the most. Communication, so others know how we feel, so there are no more lost souls to feeling like they are all alone. To those with illness, fighting a losing battle, stay strong WE LOVE YOU and respect you more than words can say. You fight a battle that most people aren't strong enough to handle. That you still wake up, smile, laugh, enjoy good food, and live is a testament to all those fighting. Don't give up. To those that have lost the fight, we miss you, love you, and think of you daily.

My husband chuckles at me every night when I have to check on our almost seven month old before I go to bed. I know how prevalent SIDS has become. I always have a bad feeling that is relieved by knowing she is alright. Does that make me paranoid? or am I just a concerned parent? There are people that do everything right, that still suffer the loss of their child.

What of those parents that never call their kids. The babies that result from one night stands, who's Daddy's don't even know their name. What of the babies that their mothers are addicted to drugs, and leave them in a trash can because they need to go find their next drug fix. Our society doesn't value children anymore like they should. Our country has the highest infant mortality rate of any developed country in the world. What does that say about us? Does that tell the world that we don't value life? That medical care isn't important? With the talks of cutting Planned Parenthood funding I'd tend to agree with that statement. In our world it's becoming all about dollar signs. Love and life are no longer this countries values.

I am one of the lucky ones that has three beautiful children.