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Advice for Friends and Family of Grievers
I reached out to my social media channels and asked fellow grievers for the advice they wish they could have given friends and family members prior to loss.I’ve crafted this post not to call people out, but to help people see things from the grievers point of view. It’s 100% not your fault that you don't know how to handle very delicate, highly volatile situations like grief. There is no textbook on the right thing to say or do.
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Our Cholangiocarcinoma Story: A Big WTF
On May 1, 2018, Matt and I found out we were pregnant with our first, and subsequently only, son, Bryson James (aptly named Pistachio at the time). In August of 2018, we moved from our beloved townhouse in Baltimore City to what was supposed to be our forever home “out in the country.” On January 14th, 2019, I gave birth to our son and we became parents. One week later, at the age of 34, my husband Matt was diagnosed with Stage IV Cholangiocarcinoma
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Mother’s Day 2020
The one constant across all my mom friends and of my mom role models is this: You love your child unconditionally, through the best times and the worst times, and beyond. That love can hurt; it can also heal. "Being there" can harbor different meanings at different moments, and it's not always obvious and straightforward.
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Navigating through the pandemic, widow life, and other questions.
Considering the fact that over the past 4 months, I lost my best friend and gained the terrible title of widow at the age of 33 (almost 34), got quarantined in my new apartment because of a worldwide pandemic, and share a bed with a one-year old, crib-hating ninja warrior (who I love, dearly), I’d say I’m doing alright; I’m still kicking over here.
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MY RESPONSE TO COVID-19
When you’re in the trenches and forced into an alternate reality, it gives you little time to complain or lament; in effect, you’re just trying to figure out how to adjust and survive.
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Grief Myth Busters According to Xtina
Grief is a person experience, unique to the individual and situation. These are the myths I've busted about grief.
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Bryson’s First Trip Around the Sun: What I learned during year one
As much as 2019 really bit the big one, something very, very special happened: our son Bryson was born.
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A Tribute to My Husband, Matt
This is a tribute to my soul mate, my husband Matt who was taken away far too soon from all who loved him.
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MY LABOR AND DELIVERY BLOG
Our son was born on January 14th, and this is my labor and delivery story.
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40 Weeks Pregnant: Pregnancy Update and Birth Plan
Well friends, contrary to my prediction of an early delivery, I am just about 40 weeks pregnant, going on 1,000,000 weeks pregnant. I was SO SURE I’d go early. Unfortunately, my son doesn’t share my same sense of anxiousness and haste. This last month has been mentally, physically, and emotionally draining. However, it’s all worth it because sooner or later (pray for sooner), Pistachio will make his entrance into the world. So, for my final pregnancy blog, at least this time around, I’m giving you a bit of an idea as to what 40 weeks pregnant is like, how we’re doing, and my “birth plan.” So what’s the deal Christina?…
