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
“We give up parts of ourselves because we think somehow it makes us the moms we’re ‘supposed’ to be. We give up things that interest us. Things we used to be good at, that filled our minds and brought us joy.”
“Not only did Rebecca have Down Syndrome, but she also had 2 holes in her heart and a fissure.”
“I’ve never gotten to see my baby’s face on an ultrasound or hear their heartbeat. I’ve never gotten to feel them kick their little legs inside of me. I’ve never gotten to watch my belly slowly grow. All of my babies left me too soon.”
“Just because someone’s calendar and bank account are fuller than my own does not mean their life is fuller.”
“I later learned he had a pattern of doing this to mothers. It’s unfortunately a very real reality for mothers of chronically ill children.”
“I nearly gave up. I was tired of tricking my body into thinking it might be pregnant. This would be our last attempt.”
“For the first time since losing her, I felt close to her.”
“Remember, our children will be someone’s student, teammate, neighbor, co-worker, boss, employee, leader, friend, spouse, parent…let’s raise them with this in mind.”
“Frighteningly, most of these hateful comments came from people raising children. Why did people care so much about what I did with my body?”
“This is an honest representation of us at this moment in time; in the same place at the same time, but with some distance between us. My camera roll has fewer and fewer photos the older my son gets. But I want him to know I still want the picture.”
