Mother Talkers

grieving for my brother

Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 10:09:39 AM PDT

My young (26) brother and his girlfriend were together for 7 months, and around Christmas found out that they were unexpectedly-- she was on the pill-- pregnant. They adjusted very well and were planning a life together with the baby, checking out housing, deciding to get married after the baby was due in August.

Today they found out via amnio that the baby has Down's Syndrome.

I don't know their plans, although I think they're trending heavily toward terminating. All I know is that either way this is a life-changing moment for the two of them. We will all support them regardless of their decision, but I am grieving very hard for our family. My brother in particular, always the black sheep, was looking forward to sinking his life into this baby and his new wife. Now I don't know if they'll even stay together.

My wish for them both is that they grow from this experience, whichever, and stay with each other and support one another. They're pretty functional. But their entire relationship has revolved around the baby. As a mother, I can't fathom the decision that lies in front of them. Either way.

I don't know how to support them properly (flowers seem weird, would like to run over to their house but would have to bring DD and they probably don't want to see her right now). All I can do is let them know I'm here for them regardless, I suppose.

Poor, poor 'kids'.

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