Sorry to have maintained radio silence for so long. I’ve had to take some time to grieve because my daughter had a second miscarriage. She found out she was pregnant while I was visiting last month, and would have been due close to Christmas.
That was May 11 – their fourth wedding anniversary and two days before Mother’s Day.
For a while it was hard to concentrate on anything creative. Just making my daily MSN Money deadline seemed to take all my time.
I’ve also been sitting up way too long with my friend, thanks to the light-until-late Alaska summer. When it does get dark, my brain seems to think it’s about 9 o’clock even though it’s actually 2 a.m.
Another roadside attraction
This morning we took off for an overnight trip to Homer, aka “the end of the road.” Seven things we noticed along the way:
Gorgeous scenery. Surprised? Me neither. It’s Alaska, after all. Just the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm is considered one of the most scenic in the United States.
Wildlife. Not too much: two moose and maybe half a dozen eagles. I still can’t look at eagles without thinking of my day with Dr. Demento.
High gas prices. We saw signs for as much as $4.82 per gallon. It could be worse: They’re paying as much as $6.52 in Bethel.
A lot of snow. Southcentral Alaska had a particularly white winter, and a whole bunch of snowpack is still near the road. That’s especially true in Turnagain Pass. I wanted to get out and make snow angels. Fortunately, my friend did not stop. Unfortunately, the heavier-than-usual snowfall led to…
Tree devastation. We saw many, many trees snapped off at their bases and flung around like giant pick-up sticks.
A huge wooden bowl on a pole. Measuring what looked like at least four feet across, it was designed to draw attention to somebody’s wood-turning studio. The sign underneath it said, “Come touch my bowls.” We almost stopped. We’re lonely, lonely women.
Salmon bacon. But we’re not that lonely. We didn’t even slow down.
I’m so sorry.
I’m so sorry to hear about your family’s loss.
My condolences to you and your family.
I’m so sorry, Donna. I keep up with your daughter’s blog, so I also read about it there. I hope Abby and Tim are feeling better soon.
That’s so sad, I’m so sorry.
I love the touch my bowls thing though. clever.
So sorry to hear about your daughter’s loss. I’ve only been through one miscarriage and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. A year later it still hits me hard sometimes. My thoughts and prayers go out to you as well. Grandmothers-to-be grieve too.
Donna – my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Donna, I’m sorry to hear about Abby’s miscarriage. Thinking of all of you.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. I miscarried 23 years ago. If I hadn’t I wouldn’t have my 22 y.o. son now. But I still sometimes wonder who the child I didn’t have would have grown up to be.
My deepest condolences to you, Abby & Tim. I am sure that this was another heavy loss for your family. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you all in this difficult time, Donna. I am very sorry for your loss.
My tremendous sympathy for your loss
I am so sorry to hear of your daughter’s miscarriage. You are all in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear about your daughter’s miscarriage. It is a very hard thing to accept. I, myself, suffered two in a row, and then God blessed me with just the very best son ever. May God Bless all of you….
Our first grandchild was stillborn. I am so sorry for your loss. My the Lord bless you and your family.
Im so sorry to hear about your familys loss. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear this. Glad you are with friends right now.
I am sorry to hear about your daughter’s miscarriage. Some things just seem so cosmically unfair.
Sorry to hear about your family’s loss. We have suffered somewhat the same as DD2 had a mis a month ago at about 8 weeks. The internal ache is miserable & lasting.
Since this is her second mis it might be time to consult a specialist to determine if there is an underlying problem.
Donna Freeman, I love you.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your grandchild.
Divorced for two years, buying my first home all on my own. I am a
compulsive frugalist, which has served me well, lo these many years while I
was married to a (closeted) gay man and since the time I found him out and
booted him to the curb. I had an excellent divorce lawyer and a certified
divorce financial adviser, which cost thousands but paid off in the end.
I shopped thrift stores before it was cool. I raised two children who are
unconcerned with the Joneses. I’m buying a house for much less than the
home that was sold as a result as the divorce, WITH the money from sale of
said home.
I have a London trip coming up, for the wedding of my son and a British
girl. I could really use this travel kit!
You rock, girl. Woman power!
Mary Jo
Those kids seem to be having a rough time all the way around, what with two miscarriages in close succession and the in-laws in their face.
Holly’s got a point there…maybe she needs to see if there’s some issue that can be treated.
Unfortunately doctors often won’t look at causes of miscarriage until a woman has had at least 3 of them, especially if they’re early. It is heartbreaking.
@Nicoleandmaggie: That’s exactly what the doctor told Abby. Although he did say to come in as soon as she finds out she’s pregnant next time, so they can monitor hormone levels.
I hate that.
I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s miscarriage, Donna.