This is for the moms who have lost – a pregnancy, a baby, a piece of their heart.

The moms who celebrated life at the appearance of two pink lines, and mourned it after the disappearance of a heartbeat.

The moms who grew another heart, and then watched it vanish into darkness.

The moms who expected to hear the thump-thump-thump of a beating heart, but who heard nothing but heartbreaking silence instead.

The moms who felt their own heart double in size before it crumbled into pieces.

The moms who secretly carried a baby before they secretly said goodbye.

The moms who held a baby in their womb, but never in their arms.

The moms who walked into the hospital carrying a baby, and who walked out carrying nothing more than a teddy bear.

The moms who gave birth, but never heard their baby cry.

The moms who went home without a baby, though it wasn't by choice.

The moms who became mothers, but never got to hear their child say “mama.”

The moms who understand that life isn't infinite, but love is.

The moms who celebrate their child's birthday each year – without their child.

The moms who said goodbye to their baby on earth, and now wait in anticipation to say hello in heaven.

This is for the moms who have lost – a pregnancy, a baby, a piece of their heart; the moms who lost a baby, but have never let go.

You are never alone. You are infinitely loved. You are always a mother.

This post was originally published on A Beautifully Burdened Life. Be sure to follow Jenny on Facebook for more on her incomplete family and imperfect motherhood.

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