The experience of a pregnancy loss can be heartbreaking, and the grief is hard to navigate because it is intangible. However, anyone who has gone through this difficult path will likely need comfort, support, or a feeling that they are not alone, and Anna Quinlan knows this. So when her friend, Ashlee Gadd, the founder of the Coffee + Crumbs Storytelling Community for moms, suffered pregnancy loss, Anna was a big support system.
Not long after the difficult period, the pair’s story went viral , inspiring many netizens. Many were introduced to one of the best ways to really support a woman who suffered pregnancy loss. Learn more below.
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Ashlee’s Pregnancy Loss Ordeal
When Ashlee became pregnant with her fourth child, she believed her bundle of joy would arrive on the due date. But unfortunately for the mom of three, things didn’t go as planned. Seven weeks into her pregnancy journey, Ashlee suffered pregnancy loss, one of the most difficult experiences in her life. During a chat with Today Parenting , Ashlee recounted how she felt at that point.
She revealed to the outlet that the hardest part about her ordeal was reconciling how to walk through her normal days while grieving. Ashlee said she never thought about how many women were moving about in public while silently dealing with the pain of pregnancy loss. Overall, it was an experience she never understood until she went through it.
Anna Comes To Ashlee’s Aid
After Ashlee’s terrible experience, Anna showed up for her friend in a simple yet beautiful way. Rather than ask how she was doing, Anna sent Ashlee a text with a multiple-choice question. Firstly, Anna suggested picking up her friend’s kids anytime after 3:30 pm that day and taking them for dinner, which included bringing back takeout for Ashlee.
Secondly, Anna suggested sending any DoorDash dinner of Ashlee’s choice to her any day of that week and the following week. Thirdly, Anna revealed she was going to Target and suggested getting anything Ashlee needed, dropping it at her doorstep, and not talking to her at all. Lastly, Anna said she could send prayers and good vibes, adding that the grieving mom could decline any tangible services at that time.
The Reason Behind Anna’s Decision
Anna opened up about why she chose not to ask Ashlee how she was doing. According to her, she had seen many of her friends go through difficult times and wanted to support Ashlee in a way that felt valuable. Anna also mentioned that it was the girlfriend’s job to organize dinner drop-offs, fundraising, childcare, or errands.
Ashlee’s Response To Her Friend’s Text
After receiving the text, Ashlee replied with a picture of a single toilet paper roll. Then, she told Anna the toilet paper was the last at home, adding that option three (the Target offer) seemed the best. Ashlee also requested a box of Cheez-Its. Like her friend had asked, Anna obliged, and the items were at Ashlee’s doorstep by the afternoon of that day. Overall, for the grieving mom, her friend’s text message was all she needed.
