January 2014 Moms

Finding the right words..help!

Recently my cousin had a c-section at 32 weeks to deliver her twin boys. One did not make it, and my heart is breaking for her. She knew one had many problems and would be struggling to survive, still it doesn't make it any easier. I'm not super close to her, but I'm sending a package of clothes for her boy and things for her. What do I say in the note to her? Focus on the positive? I'm having trouble.. Thanks ladies for any advice.
Pregnancy Ticker

Re: Finding the right words..help!

  • That is so sad :( I'm so sorry for your cousin. It is really tricky after a loss. Some people like the uplifting positives, and some people don't. Personally, I just liked when people told me that they were there for me. Let her know that you are there to support her and if there is anything she needs, you are there for her. She probably won't take you up on that, but just knowing that you have support can really help. You are really being amazing by thinking of her and sending her things so I am sure that she will appreciate that. 


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  • Ooooh...that's tough. 
    I think (trying to imagine myself in her position which is impossible) just knowing you are thinking of her and being there for her is number one.  Don't say something like 'let me know if you need anything', but just ask what you can do.  I wouldn't 'let people know' if they could do something, but if they asked what they could do it's different...
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  • peanutmusepeanutmuse member
    edited November 2013
    I am so, so sorry to hear this. :(

    ETA: I agree w/ @Bookshelves about the "focus on the positive" line. That would infuriate me if I was in that position. I lost one of my twins very early on in this pregnancy, and although it's not the same, it really upset me when people said things like this.
  • I am so, so sorry to hear this. :(

    ETA: I agree w/ @Bookshelves about the "focus on the positive" line. That would infuriate me if I was in that position. I lost one of my twins very early on in this pregnancy, and although it's not the same, it really upset me when people said things like this.
    sugarland726's response. 
  • angiek1 said:
    I am so, so sorry to hear this. :(

    ETA: I agree w/ @Bookshelves about the "focus on the positive" line. That would infuriate me if I was in that position. I lost one of my twins very early on in this pregnancy, and although it's not the same, it really upset me when people said things like this.
    sugarland726's response. 
    Oh I hate those lines! From what I have gathered from people who have lost children, is that they want to talk about their kids, they don't want the kids to be forgotten or ignored. So use his name and reference that you are thinking of him. If you see a rainbow in the sky, text her and say the rainbow made you think of her son. She will never forget him and it will mean something to know that others also haven't forgotten him.

    Lastly, I think it's not ideal to say "let me know if you need anything." Only because, most don't know what they need and/or they don't want to be a burden. so call her up and say, "I'm planning on bringing a casserole for dinner, is Thursday good for you?" Or "I was at the store and thought I'd pick up a case of diapers for you." Just take the initiative on that.

  • Thanks ladies!! I def wouldn't have said "focus on the positive". That would make anyone furious. Thank you to those who have shared after your own loss. Much appreciated :)
    Pregnancy Ticker
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