Joe: For today’s Fern and Joe column I step aside and let Fern speak on her own. This photo was taken years before we were married. Fern wrote and spoke often about families who had special needs children. What she says here can only be authentically addressed by someone who, like a veteran of war, has “been there.”
Fern, thank you for sharing this, which I’m sure is painful no matter how much time has passed. Life is complicated, you’re so right. That’s why on abortion issues, no one should judge another person’s choices. I respect those who are opposed to abortion. I understand the arguments on both sides. The choices they make for themselves are one thing, but to impose your religious and moral beliefs on others facing difficult choices is so wrong. And to have female politicians imposing their beliefs on other women is so hard to comprehend. You’d think they would “get it.”
I am so proud of women like you that are warriors even in the most devastating of circumstances. Thank you for your beautiful, sensitive sharing that allow abortion to be understood on very personal level. You are a very special, strong woman.
Your writing beautifully describes the sacred ground of love and loss. Even during the darkest days you felt the responsibility to help others through research. We have fallen into a chapter of history where ignorance and greed is driving public policy. I'm angry and disgusted at the misogyny, xenophobia and cruelty on display in our state Capitol. Your voice matters. Keep writing. Thank you.
Thank you, Fern. Life is complicated enough without having politicians interfere with deeply personal decisions, as you so beautifully articulated in this column. Thank you.
I loved my time with Zach, I looked forward to going into work as I knew I would see his beautiful face. I would snuggle him and sing, You are my Sunshine. It always brought a smile to his face. He was such a love. My girls loved it when I would take him home for them to play with him. Thank you for sharing Zach with our family. Love you, Fern.
Thank you for sharing your story. My daughter Lori was in class and at the home where Zachariah lived and died. I remember him well. Lori died in '86 at 8 years from a brain tumor. Those were tough decisions we had to make at the time and tough on our families too.
Fern, thank you for sharing this, which I’m sure is painful no matter how much time has passed. Life is complicated, you’re so right. That’s why on abortion issues, no one should judge another person’s choices. I respect those who are opposed to abortion. I understand the arguments on both sides. The choices they make for themselves are one thing, but to impose your religious and moral beliefs on others facing difficult choices is so wrong. And to have female politicians imposing their beliefs on other women is so hard to comprehend. You’d think they would “get it.”
I am so proud of women like you that are warriors even in the most devastating of circumstances. Thank you for your beautiful, sensitive sharing that allow abortion to be understood on very personal level. You are a very special, strong woman.
Here here! Brilliant. Well said.
Your writing beautifully describes the sacred ground of love and loss. Even during the darkest days you felt the responsibility to help others through research. We have fallen into a chapter of history where ignorance and greed is driving public policy. I'm angry and disgusted at the misogyny, xenophobia and cruelty on display in our state Capitol. Your voice matters. Keep writing. Thank you.
Thank you, Fern. Life is complicated enough without having politicians interfere with deeply personal decisions, as you so beautifully articulated in this column. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing. Such a warrior for your child. I have so much love and respect for you. I hope you continue to write.
On another note, I am very grateful for this whole adventure in sharing writing. Thank you to all the writers that share here. —Gretchen
Thank you Fern for your heartfelt, heart-rending story. You are so correct in your protest of what the extremists are doing!!
“Life is complicated. Choices women have to make are often painful and personal.” Thank you, Fern.
Thank you, Fern. Thank you.
I loved my time with Zach, I looked forward to going into work as I knew I would see his beautiful face. I would snuggle him and sing, You are my Sunshine. It always brought a smile to his face. He was such a love. My girls loved it when I would take him home for them to play with him. Thank you for sharing Zach with our family. Love you, Fern.
Thank you for sharing your story. My daughter Lori was in class and at the home where Zachariah lived and died. I remember him well. Lori died in '86 at 8 years from a brain tumor. Those were tough decisions we had to make at the time and tough on our families too.
Heartbreaking.