Death in the Family

Reminding us that every parenting situation is different, just received a comment from Anonymous:

"hi, I just found this site....i was in a relationship for 8 years now, and I had gotten pregnant and gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Unfortunately, my heart..my everything, my "husband" and baby's father had died unexpectedly. My in laws had take me in since it was unexpected. We are all going through it pretty rough...our lives were circled around him. Since he had died he left his daughter with money for her care. His mother had opened a savings account for her and arranged everything for her. I haven't done a single thing. I feel like giving custody of her to them, because they can provide for her the care she needs (shelter, insurance, etc). I feel since his' death I cannot give her what she needs because of how his death effected me. I know he would be angry but I feel I cannot do anything, or even know whats good for her because of what has happened. They (his family) has her interests in mind, while I can't even function right these last few weeks over what has happened. i guess what it is that since I had him to help me and back me up and let me know whats best for her...that this will be a great part of our lives. Now that he is gone...i feel alone, afraid, and invalid, and cannot go on this path alone...without him..."

My heart goes out to you and your family. The loss of a loved one can be devastating to a family, and I cannot imagine how hard it's been since your husband passed, especially with the baby. Fortunately you have loving resources in her husband's family. You probably need to take some time for yourself to process the grief and think about next steps. Accept the love and support that is being offered and do what is necessary to heal, for you and for your daughter.