Our visit was brief. We walked around downtown and found a little place where we split a black bean burger and a jerk tofu sandwich. It was nice to be in a restaurant that served bean burgers and tofu. I was taking notice of the clientele when a young couple next to me asked Elly's age. When I answered, the young woman got out of her seat to take a closer look. I was totally unprepared for what happened next.
The beautiful stranger standing in front of me almost uncontrollably shared with me her greatest tragedy. Her baby had died three weeks after birth. Jenny Grace would have been just a little older than Elly. The woman went back to her table, got her purse, and showed me the picture she keeps in her wallet. It had been taken while Jenny was still in the hospital, but the woman felt she looked remarkably cute for a newborn. She had been surprised her baby's white hair since her own hair was so dark and curly. She had wanted a boy and had been disappointed at the ultrasound. But when her baby was born and she held her for the first time, there was nothing more wonderful than a daughter. She thinks breastfeeding is wonderful for a baby and gave me a high five after learning that I'm still nursing Elly. The woman's wedding anniversary is coming up soon. She and her husband are planning a trip so they can start trying for another baby.
I sat there stunned. I didn't ask any questions; I felt sure if she wanted to tell me something, she would. She opened her heart and handed me so much of her pain. Maybe in me she saw a fellow mother who might be able to grasp a small part of her tragedy.
So...in honor of Jenny Grace, here's a picture of my dear, sweet Elly. I was reminded today just how lucky I am to have her in my life.
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4 comments:
I'm always amazed at the kindness of strangers. Though a stranger, you obviously held yourself open to others. And though no longer on earth, Jenny Grace lives through strangers like yourself. Thank you for sharing.
PS - I loved Greenville. It reminded me a lot of Santa Barbara. Cute, tree-lined street with lots of boutique shops. I'd visit you there.
You are such a warm and inviting person, Christy, which is why this stranger was drawn to you and Elly. You have a gift for making everyone you interact with feel special. It's one of the things I love most about you.
My heart goes out to this fellow mom. Thanks for sharing her story. As someone who has also lost a child (true, I was only in my first trimester, but it was still my baby, and it was still very painful), it almost helps to talk to others about it. It's almost a way of keeping the child alive. I'm sure this woman just appreciated being heard. Thanks for listening.
It is amazing how sometimes it is people we don't even know who provide us the most perspective.
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