To be honest, I didn't quite know what I was doing when I signed up for a blog here on Share Your Story. My husband handed me the laptop and told me that he had found this site and that I could start a blog here, and that it would be a good way to keep family and friends apprised of what was going on during our complicated pregnancy. I was 27 weeks and some change pregnant with our first baby, Marco, and we were not in a good spot. Our baby was in severe trouble, and we were lost.
Before I knew it, comments started pouring in on my first blog post. People that I didn't even know were commenting and offering support. This came very unexpected to me. To know that there were people out there cheering us on, well, it meant a lot.
After I lost Marco, I started leaning more on the blog section of Share. It became my journal. But it was better than a journal, because I was receiving validation in the form of comments from others. And these weren't just any people, these were people who had been/were going through extremely difficult times themselves with pregnancy and loss. And not only was I able to get my thoughts and feelings out and feel validated, but I also was able to read others' blogs, which also helped immensely. Of course I wasn't glad that these people were going through tragedy as well, but reading their stories helped me to not feel so alone.
Once I started commenting on others' blogs, I started to form organic connections with these people. It was reciprocal. We were all there for each other through our comments. It truly became an online support group for me. Yes, I had an in-person support group, which was also extremely helpful, but that only met once a month, so this helped fill in that gap. The more I put into it, the more I got out of it.
The year after I started my blog here on Share, I was able to attend my first ShareUnion. It was an amazing experience, and it just helped solidify the friendships that I had formed with these other women.
Five years later, and here I am, blogging about why I blog. Yes, there have times where I've taken a bit of a reprieve from it all. Sometimes it's necessary. Sometimes I don't have it in me to comment or to write. But I keep coming back. There is no where else that I can go to talk about all the intricacies of grief and receive the validation that I do here. I guarantee that I would not be where I am in my grief today without this incredible platform where I can journal, receive validation, read, give validation.
If you've thought about starting a blog here, but haven't, give it some consideration. You may just find that it's one of the best choices you'll make on this journey you are traveling. This is a safe place where we all come to connect with and support each other. If you need any help with the technical aspect of this, you might find it useful to check out this link of helpful tutorials...http://share.marchofdimes.org/gallery/m/video_tutorials/video/
Marco, my love - you've helped give me the courage to share your story and connect with others in this community. As I think we've all on Share said before, I sure wish I didn't have to walk this path, but since I am forced to, I'm so incredibly thankful to have this community to walk it with.
While I will always wish we had no reason to cross paths, or that perhaps we did both with our special little ones in our arms, I'm so grateful Bruno put the computer in your hands. I remember logging onto Share and seeing your first post. You, your story and your sweet Marco hold such a special place in my heart. I remember thinking that you were where I was such a short time ago- what I was thinking and would have written had I found Share before not after Akeelah was born. And I rooted and rooted for you guys hoping with all my hope that your sweet Marco would stay. Such a privilege to have known you, and known Marco while he was here with us and to have seen the unwavering love that's endured since.
Much love,
Lauren
Your words are words I think we all can relate to here on Share and why we blog. I felt the same when I started getting those comments to my first blog. Wish we didn't all know each other under the circumstances that we do but glad we all are here for one another.
Thank you so much for this blog post. I haven't shared my story yet but I know its coming and this was very encouraging. I have been reading others blogs & stories since the beginning of October, when I lost my son. Like you said, I don't wish any of us had to go through this but I'm glad I found share where I can relate to women who have walked this unfortunate path. Thanks again.
Christina
I am so, so glad that you blog, Libby. Your story, Marco's story and even Lucia's story give so many people hope, give them strength in knowing they're not alone, in seeing where you are in your grief. You inspire so many with your love for your children.
I am so sorry you had reason to start a blog but since you did have reason, I'm so glad you did.
Thinking of you,
Tommie
Thanks for sharing your story, I have done the March of dimes walk with my family it was a lot of fun I was born at 1 pound 4 oz and my twin was 1 pound 3 oz