the real heroes

Everyone loves a new mother. We give her pampering gifts. Send her carnations and roses. Promise her candles, warm baths, chocolates. Tromp into the hospital bearing onesies with cute sayings. Pretending the smell of urine is palatable. Pretending to not hear the cat whines from the new hairless creature. Lying about the baby’s cuteness, feeling it is more hideous than pretty. When postpartum blues hit, and the loudest wailing begins. When deep pain, anguish and depression filter into the house Who stays to help? These are the heroes.