What if?

I wonder often about other grieving mothers. I wonder what they do with their grief when they don't have answers. I wonder how they move on when they don't know why they've lost their child. I have a face for my anger. It is Factor X and the extreme lack of attention to and recognition of bleeding disorders. I have something to focus my energies on. What if I didn't?
What if Dr. Lockard came to me after Isabelle died and said, "I'm so sorry, we just don't know what happened?" I don't think I would be in the place I am now. I think I would still be lost and looking for answers. I know I wouldn't be able to speak of her without falling apart. I do still on occasion, but the pain is not so sharp.
But what if I was always wondering why? What if I couldn't be sure that I hadn't done something to cause her death? I'm not sure I could ever move on. And yes, I think I have moved on, but I really hate those words. It makes me think I'm leaving her behind. I will never. She will be with me everywhere I go and in everything I do everyday of my life. But I'm in a good place. I still miss her intensely. I know I always will. There will always be a part of my family missing, and that will always hurt. But now I can speak of her without crying. I can visit her without falling apart. I can tell her story to strangers, and feel good knowing that I could make a difference. I hope I can. I hope that I can be a good person and make my daughter proud. Make my daughters proud. And ensure my place in Heaven with Isabelle.

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