Exposure: Week Thirty-nine

A picture of 

something 

unexpected

When I was growing up, I never thought about how many children I would have. I was certain that I wanted to be a mother (even more than I wanted to be a wife), and having more than just a few wasn't something I feared. However, I can say that I did not expect to be blessed with . . .

nor did I anticipate . . .

When a child loses his parent, 

they are called an orphan. 

When a spouse loses her or his partner, 

they are called a widow or widower.

When parents lose their child, 

there isn't a word to describe them. 

~ Reagan

Note: My maternal grandmother, Helen, crocheted afghans for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren until a stroke left her unable to continue her well-established tradition. When I lost a baby in January 1999, I asked her if she would crochet a tiny square as a keepsake. She willingly said "yes" but later decided baby booties were a better idea.

~ End Quote