Author:
Heather
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Date Posted: 01/10/08 10:28pm
Stephanie,
Wow, what an unpleasant surprise that must have been; I'm so sorry. I can't really understand why your mother would say that either, unless she's just stressed for you and her grandchildren and not thinking too clearly.
I think, I would hope, in her clearer thoughts she'd know that your children wouldn't possibly want you to kill your newest arrival, their sibling, or think that you were 'selfish' for having him or her. As a mother to four myself, I know children are pretty immune a lot of the time to the stressors we adults consider. My guess is that they will be thrilled with the idea of a new brother or sister.
You know you're not alone in hearing extremely unhelpful venting from a loved one at this time. It happens all the time, whether the loved one is a spouse, parent, or well meaning friend or family member.
Sometimes people get caught up with their own concerns and forget to truly consider what would be in your best interest.
And in thinking of you, Stephanie, for a moment aside from the little one you're carrying, I just can't see how it would be in your best interest to ask you to go against your instincts and terminate the life inside you. Financial woes
are a dime a dozen,as are misgivings about not being ready for a baby, but the grief that can come from feeling pressured into making a choice you find anything but liberating can last a lifetime.
I'm sure your mother loves you, and you may be hearing from her again with a toned down perspective, who know. I think her original response was probably correct. But regardless I think it would be a good thing for you to come to terms with your own choices, and not feel as though you have to make one to please anyone else. Ultimately, they are not the ones who will be living with the results.
Hang in there Stephanie; we're pulling for you!
With Kindness,
Heather
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