I Meant Well

The other day, thanks to the glorious Internets, I reached out to a mama whose baby has a very serious heart defect called Shone's Complex. To all outward appearances, little M is a happy, healthy, gorgeous baby boy. His mama shared her experiences with a group on Babycenter, asking for prayers a while back.

To my delight, she posted some recent photos of her little guy, and I sent her a message asking after M and asking if there was any improvement. She did take the time to message me back, and explained that they will see a pediatric cardiologist later this month. M had open heart surgery in October, and at the time his diagnosis was made, the doctors predicted he wouldn't make it through the winter.

All of this breaks my heart. I hate that anyone has to go through it.

Then, I think I put my foot in my mouth. Because, really, what can you say to someone who may only have a few more precious weeks or months with her darling baby? I said something well-meaning, but probably that could have been interpreted as somewhat insensitive. Then, I apologized. Then I wanted to apologize again for my lameness. But then, it would have turned into a whole thing like the scene in Swingers where the guy calls the girl too many times and leaves a bunch of voicemails... Ugh. I just feel lame. But, I know that this mama, who is probably just soaking up all the lovely moments she has with M, is probably used to well-intentioned, but awkward statements. I hope she's giving her little guy as many kisses and hugs as can fit in a day, and forgetting about the strange and awkward things that people who know about her situation must say each and every day.

So, really, all I can offer are extra prayers today, and every day for the babies who need miracles. Scarlett and M, I am thinking about you both.