Miscarriage

Miscarriage, the loss of a child in utero or stillbirth, is a topic that is often avoided in today’s society. Yet, miscarriages are unfortunately common, with studies showing that 10-25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage (www.americanpregnancy.org).

In 2003, after three years of marriage, we decided it was time to try to start a family. Later that year, we were overjoyed to learn that Wendi was pregnant. But just a few weeks later, we experienced the heartbreaking loss of our baby.

When we shared our experience with family and friends, we were taken aback by how many others had faced the same heartache—some even multiple times. Why had no one ever talked about it before? We began to wonder why this subject remained so “taboo” in both secular and religious circles.

Why weren’t there more support groups? Why wasn’t this issue addressed in houses of worship? Why did we feel so isolated? How could we begin to heal?

Sadly, many people in our lives didn’t know how to offer support. Some tried to help with well-meaning but often cliché phrases of encouragement, which, in many cases, caused more pain than comfort.

Throughout this difficult time, we navigated the medical process, the emotional anguish of our loss, and the challenge of maintaining our faith. In the end, we learned invaluable lessons about life, love, faith, and each other.