During the divorce, I also experienced the loss of my pregnancy. It was a private grief I carried while trying to remain present for my four children.
Months later, an invitation to Daniel and my sister’s wedding arrived. I chose not to attend.
But my oldest daughter, Sophie, was nine years old and asked if she could go. Daniel was still her father, and I did not want her to feel pressured to choose between her parents.
On the morning of the wedding, my mother came to collect Sophie. Before leaving, she again criticized my decision not to attend. I did not argue. I simply stayed home with my younger children. We sat together on the couch, watched their favorite cartoon, and tried to make the day feel ordinary.
Then my phone rang. It was my cousin, the one family member who had supported me through everything. Her voice was unsteady.
