This Looks Like Progress

I'm hesitant to say it, simply because I'm a cynic and because the issue of stillbirth, and raising awareness and working towards prevention of stillbirth, is so dear to my heart. However, I've been impressed and surprised to see a little more awareness of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month in more traditional media venues, acknowledged by people and groups we've actually heard of.

For example, on Facebook, as well as on their website, the natural cleaning products company Seventh Generation posted a note about Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, October 15th, in recognition of the millions of women who lose a baby every year. Would we have seen that a year or two ago? I think not, though I am curious as to what, if anything, prompted the company to add such a post to their wall. I am both surprised and very grateful to them for mentioning the day itself. It gives me hope and makes me feel proud that I have used their products in the past. Not sure if they are here in England, but if they are, I will be supporting them as a customer again.

The Washington Post included a blog post about October 15th in their online forums in a column by Janice D'Arcy. I can't say if this ran in the print version of the paper, but I'm pleased that it ran in online under the headline of one of the US's larger papers (so many notices are in small venues; this one is likely to pick up more notice).

If you get a chance and feel so moved, thank the people and companies you see making an effort to acknowledge stillbirth. These are small but positive steps in the right direction, and they deserve our thanks if we are to continue making strides in education about grieving and loss.

Today's the Day the World Changes

All right, so my title for today's post may be a bit of a stretch, but can I tell you, I am proud today. Whether you are Republican or Democrat, black, white, tan, or whatever color you identify yourself with, whether you loved Bush or hated him, think Obama is a leftie socialist or the savior of the world: you know, today is a day over 200 years in the making.

I've never been one to go around gloating about how America is the greatest nation on the earth (too much arrogance in that statement for my taste, and as the wife of a man who is not from this country, and the mother of two children who can claim citizenship in that country, I'd rather see the world through a bigger lens). I've never really understood patriotism and love of country; perhaps that is my own personal failing, I don't know. I understand loving people, but the concept of loving my country is nebulous for me, at best. Maybe it's the Democrat in me (despite the very Republican upbringing) that sees the flaws as well as the good, the part of me that knows nothing is perfect and there is always more to strive for.

Today, for the first time in my life, I can say with all honesty, I am proud to be an American. Obama has a tough road ahead of him, a country full of potholes and craters created by others. Change takes time, and it is not Obama's road alone - we must all participate in filling in the cracks, listening to each other, working together, finding common ground.

But today, I am going to revel in this moment, in the pride and hope I feel. Change has come, and may America be better for it.