Devon Ledbetter is a writer and editor based in Florida. She holds a BA in English from Florida State University. She currently formerly worked as a Digital Editor with Love What Matters and has previously had works published with College Magazine and Her Campus. Her favorite pastimes include beach trips, baking, and concerts. You can learn more about Devon through her portfolio https://dnl16b.wixsite.com/ledbetter-portfolio
My Mom Sends Me Winks From Heaven In The Form Of Ladybugs
“I didn’t know such a small, seemingly insignificant bug had the power to bring me to tears – but that’s the power of love. She’s been with me all along.”
The doctor said, ‘No one ever told you about his head circumference? It’s really small.’ My heart sank.’: Mom of baby with microcephaly fights for diagnosis, ‘I wouldn’t trade him for the world’
“I laid him down and I noticed his head was turned all the way to his right and his arms were bent up. He looked almost frozen. I told my husband, ‘Ben just did something weird.’ We had seen many pediatricians and they all told me he was healthy. But I knew something wasn’t right.”
Pray For Ukraine Because Humankind Is Your Business
“They are ours because they are humankind. This is 100% our business. If you are breathing, humankind is your business.”
What It’s Really Like Living With Chronic Migraines
“It’s not just a bad headache or a really bad hangover. It is a hell you cannot escape.”
‘In Chinatown today, I saw two police officers standing over an old Chinese man bleeding on the ground. I assumed the worst.’: Man witnesses community act of kindness, ‘Only together will we survive the hate’
“As we wait for an ambulance, hundreds of Chinese people walk by and also assume the worst. Rather than let the cops have to address everyone one at a time, I stand off to the side and tell people what happened to set the record straight. It’s the least I can do.”
To My Future Babies, I Will Continue To Write Our Story
“No matter how many more chapters there may be, or how much longer it will take, I will never stop writing the pages of our story until the day comes that I finally get to share them all with you.”
Dear Postpartum Body—Despite Everything, I Still Love You
“I’m sorry I tuck you into high-waisted leggings so no one sees the excess skin that held my beautiful babies. I’m sorry for hating the way my hips grew in order to bring two children into this world.”
‘I think there’s something wrong with me. I know I should love her, but I just don’t feel anything.’: First-time mom shares battle with postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts
“I was never the woman who saw her baby on the screen and fell rapturously in love. I figured it would come once we met in person. It didn’t. And I felt terrified and ashamed. What mother doesn’t love their child at first sight?!”
‘I heard myself saying, ‘I’m just a wife,’ ‘I’m just a mom.’ Why do I diminish myself?’: Mom reflects on the importance of self-worth
“Let’s knock it off. Life’s hard enough without us being hard on ourselves.”
‘I remember thinking, ‘Why is my body doing this to itself?’ I was so angry at my immune system for failing me.’: Woman shares life with stoma after Chronic Colitis diagnosis
“I will never stop talking about it – to challenge the stigma so no one has to feel embarrassment and shame.”