Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Worse than getting your teeth cleaned

Recently I had a Bad Day, of the grieving subset of Bad Days. I had to go to the dentist and I just knew there would be an awkward moment when the hygienist asked me if I'd had my baby or why I wasn't pregnant. I was dreading it utterly and it happened almost exactly the way I had feared, except I hadn't predicted the part where I spent the entire appointment willing myself not to cry, then lost it in the car afterward.

As I told Maggie after her post IVF Shoes, I only want to talk about our loss with people I really care about and trust. Everyone else, it's a need-to-know basis only. I know they don't know what to say. I don't either and I don't feel like comforting them because I suffered a loss.

Like Maggie did, I bought a necklace as a tribute to my son. And what I like best about it is that it's meaningful to me--the two taller flowers sheltering the little one, each representing one of my three children--but I only need share that meaning if I want to.

18 comments:

  1. The necklace is beautiful. I like how it has special meaning and that the design of it doesn't beg to be asked about.

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  2. Anonymous1:02 PM

    I'd rather have a root-canal than feel this pain.

    The necklace is lovely.

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  3. If I were the kind of person that did internet hugs, I'd give you one now.

    How 'bout I save a real hug for Chicago?

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  4. The necklace is such a wonderful tribute.

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  5. I love your beautiful necklace...simply beautiful.

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  6. I'm so sorry. I've been the well-meaning question-asker, and I can assure you she probably wanted the ground to swallow her up. I wish you hadn't had to employ your boundless grace when you felt least prepared to do so.

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  7. Oh, Mayberry, I'm sorry. I hadn't thought about how all of that must play out on a regular basis for you. I love the necklace. Thanks for sharing its special meaning with us.

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  8. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I agree. Way worse. You made a very lovely choice with that necklace and I hope the good cry in the car made you feel better (if there is such a thing. oh who am I kidding - I know there is.)

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  9. Lovely necklace, and good timing on Magpie's post.

    I agree that you do not owe people explanations. I tend to overshare in a "well you asked for it way" but wish I could just be silent and let people deal without wanting to help them feel better.

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  10. That stinks in a big way.

    I do love the necklace though.

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  11. Thinking of you. It's a beautiful necklace, even without knowing its special meaning.

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  12. That's a beautiful necklace and beautiful tribute. I love the symbolism in it. Sending good thoughts to you.

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  13. That necklace is just about one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

    I remember when you wrote about these kinds of encounters you'd face -- I didn't need to click through to remember what you'd said -- and I'm so sorry it went that way.

    As always, until you tell me to leave you the hell alone, you and all of yours remain in my prayers.

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  14. The necklace is beautiful and I am sorry for your loss. As I am a new fan, I am not familiar with what happened, but I am sending hugs your way. I have had 4 miscarriages in the last two years and bought a little gold angel to wear, it calms me, if only for a bit. Love to you.

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  15. Oh, I'm so sorry for your bad day. What an awkward situation. The necklace is beautiful and a nice remembrance. Here's to better days...

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  16. I'm so sorry, again, and I understand that desire to speak of your child only with those who know you and get you.

    That necklace is lovely. It's such a perfect symbol.

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  17. Eerily parallel. I went through the same situation in March when I had my teeth cleaned and the hygienist remarked on how good I looked and where was the baby. And I thought I was past all the "explanations".

    Peace be with you, my friend.

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