Dear Broken, this was extremely well written. I understand every word since I had a severe stroke during the 26th week of my second pregnancy. My other son was 2 years old. That was on Valentine’s Day in 1999. The “baby” just turned 21. I found it has been best to focus on what I have rather than what I’ve lost. Gratitude is key.

My husband was not able to cope with the situation for the long run and left the marriage 5 years ago. We were married 28 years.