A dash of phone calls & emails to inform others of your loss

1 week of memorial planning

1 day of smiling

2 days of feeling guilty for smiling

6 months of adjusting to your new normal

9 months of a roller coaster ride through grief

3-4 weeks of Anger

5 months of Tears

1 month of asking Why Me?

2 weeks of Anxiety

3 days of Denial

3 months of Depression

A little laughter, then back to sad again

Just before the 1^st year Angel~ Versary, grab 1 month of Depression

Now that you’ve made it to 1 year you may have had

Several months of Sadness

A few weeks of Fear

Time to gain Compassion

A few months to find Acceptance

And an Unlimited amount of missing your angel

With the above ingredients you can now start preparing for Healthy Grieving

Mix in many months of counseling and/or talking with those who understand. Blend in being able to share your story without becoming teary eyed. Set aside moments for brief meltdowns, and then stir in the strength to get up and keep going. Add in the possibilities of having more children, knowing your angel will never be replaced. Throw in a pinch of fear to try again. Mix in the realization that there will be no crawling, first steps, first day of school, or graduation. Add the comfort that your angel will never know sickness, rejection, or the pains of this world. Set aside both happy and sad tears and know it’s still ok to cry. Mix in life without your angel then sprinkle in precious memories. Cover with hope that your faith will provide you the strength to continue into progressive healing.

Time measurements may vary, and examples given may differ. This is a general recipe put together based on conversations with numerous women who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss