Gifts my daughter gave me

At a perinatal loss support group the other night, the counselor said something that really resonated with me. She said, "When we lose a baby, we talk about the loss, the grief, the aching, the missing. These things will always be with us, forever. We will forever miss, ache for, long for and grieve for that baby. But we must also think of the things our baby gave us, their gifts. Name a few gifts that your baby gave to you."

This was profound for me. I always feel the loss and longing for my daughter, but I never think of the things she blessed me with. Here are the gifts that Kara gave me.

1. A new respect for life at all stages
2. An understanding of the fragility of life
3. An appreciation of friends and family
4. Compassion for others
5. A more meaningful relationship with God
6. The ability to clearly see people and their intentions
7. An awareness of the pain and struggles of others
8. A clear vision of what really matters in life
9. A deeper, stronger relationship with my husband
10. The ability to love unconditionally and fully
11. The ability to forgive trespasses
12. A love so strong that it transcends death