Open Poetry #20 |
Only One Child |
Suetang Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187Melbourne, Australia |
Many decisions we have to make As we go on through life It isn't always a bed of roses There is sometimes trouble and strife We are often influenced by others But let's not forget our own voice For it is ultimately us Who must make the final choice I had planned to have more children But alas it just wasn't to be My life was turned upside down When depression took hold of me My days were filled with darkness There was no joy that I could see I was void of motherly feelings Terrified that my baby relied on me It took some time to seek assistance But soon I was on the right track And within a few months time My old self was slowly coming back Some people were quick to judge me They didn't seem to understand I'm sure they thought me selfish But in my shoes they did not stand It was not an easy decision To have only one child I couldn't risk my illness returning For my mind to be running wild Now I feel I made the right choice And feel so lucky to have just one For I cherish my beautiful daughter Whose radiance outshines the sun I feel so sad for others Who are unable to start a family My experience has made me stronger And I am the best that I can be * * * * * I suffered post natal depression after the birth of my daughter in 1992 and it was such an awful experience that shook my world.It saddens me to think that some people think of you as selfish if you decide to have only one child but they aren't willing to look further as to the reasons why you make this decision.As they say, what suits one doesn't necessarily suit another and we must ultimately make that decision ourselves for we are the best judge when it comes to lifes choices. Suetang |
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© Copyright 2002 Sue Tancheff - All Rights Reserved | |||
Lisann Member
since 2001-01-31
Posts 350 |
I know where you are coming from Suetang...I too only have one child. I have a 5 year old daughter. It was partly by choice. We could have had more but because of the experiences that I had during pregnancy we chose not to..... |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Sue...what you endured is a difficult but very real experience... Yes, there are those, those who have never walked in your shoes.. And some will judge without merit... But there are also many who will understand and stand beside you... I am one of those...that will always know you made the right choice... Such is the way of a friend.. |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Sure is nice to have you with us and be able to read your open, honest, heartfelt and loving poetry. This is a real tribute to your own evoking thoughts...bless you! I only have the one daughter and I love her like there's no tommorrow! |
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Suetang Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187Melbourne, Australia |
How wonderful to read your words of encouragement. I feel sorry for my daughter that I couldn't give her a brother or sister but also, I couldn't put her and my husband through the torture of my depression again. My daughter is thriving and doesn't seem to be missing out as she is surrounded by many friends and adores her cousins. I feel I am one of the lucky ones. Thank you all so very much. Take care.....Sue Suetang |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Sue, never listen to those people who think you are selfish, you are by far one of the most loving and compassionate people I've ever known and am so lucky to know and I believe no matter how many children you have, it will always feel like family! (kiss on cheek) Though I can't relate to this feeling very well because I am too young to have a family yet, I dream of having a family soon, and even if I only have one kid, I will be happy always! (sigh) It breaks my heart to see so many be so cruel and selfish to one another, sweet friend, thank you so much for being you, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Sue, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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Bridget Shenachie Senior Member
since 2002-01-23
Posts 1056Kansas USA |
God bless you, Sue! This was a very responsible decision and you are to be admired! Love You Much! Shenachie |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Sue: You are very brave to write about your personal problems as you do. It is hard to even talk about them sometimes, let alone share them with the Internet! I admire your choice. So many peiople have children, regardless of the consequences and the children are the victims here. Good poetry! Betty Lou Hebert |
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