We woke up to the devastating op-ed the Duchess of Sussex wrote in today’s New York Times. There was no way we couldn’t comment, no way we couldn’t say something about the powerful, poignant words of the woman we follow day in and day out.
Yes, we write about Meghan’s fashion. Yes, we write about what candles she chooses and what books sit behind her on her sitting room table while she is on Zoom. But we also write about the work she does, and we also really like Meghan as a human being. And that’s where our hearts are today – not Meghan as the Duchess of Sussex, or the co-founder of Archewell, but Meghan as a person.
We mourn alongside you, Meghan, and thank you for your courage to share such an intimate part of your life on a global stage – again.
Meghan is so routinely criticized in the media that she had absolutely no obligation to let the world in on her very personal grief and anguish. But she did, and she likely did so because she wants to do some good – to bring awareness to pregnancy loss, to use her pain for a purpose.
That is strength. That is courage. That is bravery.
Meghan, we applaud you.
And to all women – and there are, unfortunately, so many of you – who have dealt with a similar pain of pregnancy loss at any stage, we stand beside you, too. We can only hope that Meghan’s words provide some proof that you are not alone.
It is an honor to write about this woman on this site. While the clothes and shoes and bags and jewelry she chooses are fascinating, what truly compels us is that this is a woman who is a force, who works in her own unique way to change the world for the better.
And, this Thanksgiving and always, we’re thankful for that.
If you have suffered a miscarriage or loss and are in need of support, or if you wish to do something to help further miscarriage awareness, there is help out there. Please visit – VeryWellFamily.com – Pregnancy Loss Support Organizations.
Here are some additional support groups and charities:
- Peanut – a social network that provides support for all stages of motherhood. The network offers an app that you can download from their site here.
- Petals Baby Loss Counselling Charity provides free specialist counselling to parents suffering pregnancy trauma/loss in the UK. You can donate to their charity here.
- Miscarriage Association based in the UK, offers assistance for those who have been affected by miscarriage, molar pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy.
- Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support in the US is a community for anyone who experiences the tragic death of a baby.
- The March of Dimes supports moms throughout pregnancy. Learn about Giving Tuesday Triple Match, December 1, 2020 here.
- Tommy’s, UK, funds research into miscarriage, premature birth & stillbirth and provides free pregnancy health information to parents-to-be.
Elaine Smith says
Wow!really appreciate this post!Megan you empower, all of us, who loved and supported the good work that you are doing globally while enduring, your own lost ,we loved and will always support your works .
Thanks
Larissa says
Meghan’s op-ed proved once again what a fantastic writer she is. I am amazed how she was able to channel her pain into not only an article for other parents going through the same thing, but also to highlight the importance of simply connecting with someone. I guiltily admit I did wonder this year if Meghan and Harry were planning on having another child – even if we no longer have the issue of heirs dying young as they did centuries ago, I think there is still always an expectation that members of the royal family have multiple children. This news is a stark reminder that unexpected things happen all the time. This year Chrissy Teigen, Meghan (by sharing their own stories), and Kate (by speaking out during baby loss awareness week) have really highlighted what a common occurrence miscarriages are. I am amazed by the bravery of these women to draw attention to an issue that has been taboo and isolating for so long. I wish Meghan and Harry all the best as they struggle through this time. Thank you for your wonderful post!
Maureen says
This post is wonderfully written. Bravo!!!
Brandi says
Beautifully written! ❤
Maureen says
The last I Iooked, there were over 1,400 reader comments on the Meghan op-ed, and the vast majority were deeply appreciative and encouraging, many telling her that her words had helped them and some that they look forward to hearing more from her. She has always shown the potential to be a strong, unflinching voice for women, justice, and kindness. As such she attracts many enemies as well as friends. Thank you again to this site for creating a space where those of us who care very much about whether her values will see her through can read about her without having to defend her. However strong she is and however privileged, she will need support to thrive in the face of those who see her as a threat. I like to think that we who follow this site are part of that support!
Alyse says
Bravo! Her share helps all women who have and will experience such a loss feel less alone.
Amelie says
What a wonderful statement of support! I should think Meghan would be so touched to read this if she did. And I agree with every word of it.
I just finished reading her op-ed. What a powerful, poignant, and heartbreaking piece of writing. This is why I was always careful not to speculate or bump watch because it simply is no one’s business until Meghan and Harry decide to make that kind of news public. She is so brave for sharing her story in such a public way, especially when she knows there is a section of the media that will criticize her regardless. Thank you for acknowledging the media criticism (mostly from the British press it seems)–she’s been relentlessly vilified since it first came out she was dating Harry. It’s unfair to see her targeted that way, especially as a woman of color. I hope she and Harry can find a path to healing together and find some comfort in little Archie. While I know their move to America was controversial, I am so glad for her that she was in her homeland near her mom during such a difficult time. I can’t imagine how that must have felt had she been in the UK, feeling isolated during the pandemic.
Her fashion and her lifestyle are fun to follow and thank you for doing it in such a respectful, yet fun way. But overall, I agree it is the woman, her work ethic, and her devotion to her causes that make her such a fascinating figure. I can’t wait to see what she and Harry accomplish in the years to come.
Linda Beutler says
Hear! Hear! Thank you for this post.
LadyLeah says
Thank you for writing all this. How heartbreaking for them.
Sending love and support to all families who may be privately mourning these losses that don’t always get shared.
Lauri says
What a beautiful note! Thanks for your support of Meghan and having such a great place for us to enjoy her, her fashion and her wonderful work.