“An apple a day will keep anyone away, if thrown hard enough.”
• Sometimes well-meaning but misinformed family members or friends will say something that is hurtful to you.
• You may hear them say things like:
I know how you feel.
Your baby is in a better place.
It’s time to move past this and get on with your life.
Keep your chin up.
This is probably a blessing in disguise.
At least you can still have other children.
Think of all you have to be thankful for.
Now you have an angel in heaven.
It will be OK.
You will feel better soon.
You’re strong. You will get over this.
God wouldn’t give you more than you can handle.
• Try not to take these misguided words of advice to heart. Such clichés are often offered because people don’t know what else to say. While you know that these comments dismiss your pain and diminish the reality that this is a unique and significant loss, others are often not aware.
CARPE DIEM
The next time you hear one of these platitudes, try to hear the concern and empathy behind it instead of the literal words that are spoken.