when people ask me a question, i feel the need to be honest.

so, when asked by a mother of one of sebastian’s friends’ friends as to if i was tired, i said i was actually a little sad.

why is that? she inquired.

now believe me, i know you have to choose who you barf your confidences to. so briefly i just said that carys and jasper hadn’t had good appointments the other day, and it made me sad.

and her response:

"well…they weren’t natural, you knew the dangers and what you were getting into."

yes, well if i wasn’t planning on feeling guilty, that’s enough to change my mind.

THAT’s why i have been silent these past couple of days.

plus magnificent charles is away so i haven’t had as much time.

and carys’s physio appointment got me a little sad.

but the good news is, i’m getting better.

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28 Replies to “”

  1. OK. That makes me FURIOUS!!! What an insensitive and ignorant BITCH! WHY on earth would one human being say that to another?!?! I hope you kicked her smartly in the shins and then asked her if you deserved less than perfect children because you had to go to such great lengths to conceive them? And if all things were equal, shouldn’t those efforts count in the “healthy children bequests” dept?!
    I am sorry that you encountered such an idiotic cow and and I am sorry that your wee cuties are facing challenges that make you sad. Keep feeling better…..inspite of the asshats that would bring you down.

    Reply

  2. Tess, I have been following your story since the triplets were born. I can’t believe she said that! How ignorant of her! I’m sorry her ignorance hurt you. Your kids are beautiful and you are a wonderful mom.

    Reply

  3. What a terrible thing to say – I’m sorry she was so ignorant and rude.
    Glad you’re doing a bit better – hope it continues!

    Reply

  4. this is where i would have the temptation to be extremely rude back (and probably throw in a few four-letter words just to punctuate my point). but then, i’m not a very nice person. if ivf were inherently so dangerous does she think it would be an alternative? granted i don’t know everything, but people who are so ignorant in even the most basic science and refuse to learn are simply not worth my time (except in bitching about, but then having been a professional bitch at times it’s probably what i do best). mind if i bitch-smack some sense into that woman for you?
    it’s frustrating for those of us you share your life with to see J and C struggle, so i can’t even imagine how hard it is for you. hopefully they will outgrow/overcome their challenges and be granted easy teenagehoods.
    and speaking of bitching, shit it’s COLD! it’s hit 30 the past couple nights (that’s -1 or something to you). okay, i know for the rest of the world that’s a winter warm-up, but indulge this thin-blooded floridian a few minutes to conceptualize that if it rained now, it would actually be snowing. speaking of snow, i have wanted to take Sagan to see snow for a year now. anyone here have any snow within driving distance of florida?

    Reply

  5. I am flying to HK right now to kick her in the Cee U Next Tuesday!

    Reply

  6. What a ignorant cow, bitch, skank whoever she is. I do know that in life what goes around comes around, and Tess, one day she will get what is coming to her. I hope I never find out who it is as I being a “outsider” would probably give her what I am good at..(telling people off and using many 4 lettered words to do so). Hopefully her child/ren do(es) not grow up to be as ignorant and insensitive as she is.
    You are a much stronger person than I am .
    You tell little Carys to be strong, as when Auntie sees her she will give her extra ice cream ,cookies and lots of love and spoiling to help her through the rough spots. Of course Jasper and Sela will get the same treatment, but it will be extra incentive for Carys while she is at physio!

    Reply

  7. Tess,
    I’m so sorry you’re sad, ignorant public aside. Make sure you find the support you need. You’re a great mom and you’ll fight hard for your kids. I always marvel at your strength.
    cricketchurping.blogger.com

    Reply

  8. DearTess,
    I have wondered why we hadn’t heard from you…and I was missing your wonderful writings…now I know.
    Some people are so ignorant…perhaps you should send us Miss Brain Burps’ address and we could send some equally caring thoughts her way…in a christian way of course!!!!
    Here is a special Friendship Prayer for this person…
    FRIENDSHIP PRAYER
    “May the fleas of a thousand camels infest the crotch of the person who screws up your day,and may their arms be too short to scratch…
    AMEN
    I love you, we all love you, we love, adore, admire and pray for your family…
    each day…and after sending this friendship prayer…I’d better say a prayer for myself!!
    Love you,
    Karen

    Reply

  9. I am so sorry your “friend” wasn’t smart enough to just say she was sorry. I am sorry she thought it was OK to give an opinion on something she does not know enough about.
    Please stay positive & keep doing the tremendous job you are doing. It will pay off in time. The road is rough right now, and your babies need you to keep going.
    I admire you. Wish I could be there to hug you, and to listen to your concerns, and I promise I would not say DUMB STUFF!

    Reply

  10. Wha-?! Who says something like that?? I wonder why it is so difficult to offer empathy without judgement. Having said that, I realize I’m judging her. The complexities are making my head hurt.
    I am sorry you’re feeling sad – I hope you get nothing but good news and good vibes from hereon in. Your kids sure are cute!

    Reply

  11. Oh Tess. I am so sorry that anyone would feel the need to say you don’t have the right to be sad. And to insult your beautiful babies, your lovely miracle babies, just brings tears to my eyes. Damn it.
    Thinking of all of you.

    Reply

  12. GAH!
    *Who* in their right mind would think that is an appropriate statement to make?
    You are so much nicer than I would’ve been.
    ~shaking head~
    Here’s hoping the sadness lifts and good news comes tomorrow.

    Reply

  13. I’, sorry there ae people like that. You have every right to feel any way you feel. I hate when people tell someone how they “ought” to feel. I’m glad you’re feeling better, and I hope you continue to.

    Reply

  14. Oh Tess,
    How could someone be so rude? Of course you’re allowed to be sad. I just wish that I could come over and give you a great big hug. You’re doing a fabulous job with your triplets – and you are ensuring that they reach their full potential.

    Reply

  15. Tess,
    as if, as mothers, we don’t have enough guilt that we can come up with on our own! I am so sorry someone said that to you, and it makes me brace myself for the dumb things people will (and have) said when I tell them that Andrew has Downs Syn. Most people tell me they are “so sorry” and that makes me feel sad and crappy b/c it implies that he is somehow not how he should be! You are an amazing mom. A friend told me last week (she has 4 kids who have issues that range from autism to other stuff) that she kept questioning God as to why HER children were “difficult” and he told her, if I didn’t give them to YOU, who should I give them to? Our children and your children are not a burden, but blessings with extra challenges that He will give us the grace to handle. Who wants to have “typical” kids anyway? How boring would that be?
    sending love from Florida…
    Molly
    PS – Amazing Jeff (my dh) wrote a post to our blog yesterday that was very inspiring to me – wanted to share it with you…
    http://vothfamilyadventure.blogspot.com

    Reply

  16. Mum aka Mo aka Maureen January 20, 2005 at 4:37 am

    Tess darling, I am so proud of you.
    Love as always, M xox

    Reply

  17. Okay, that makes me so mad. How dare someone say that to anyone. I had someone that felt the sameway about me, but I couldn’t control myself and let them have it. I can’t believe she said that. Some people have no feelings at all. Sorry that happened. Prayers coming your way.

    Reply

  18. Well that comment was wrong on so many levels!
    All children are natural? They’re not androids!
    Oh, what a rotten rotten thing to say.
    Ignore it.
    Must I fly to Hong Kong and slap people?

    Reply

  19. Tess- just wow. I just cannot fathom the stupidity and carelessness of people and their comments. I just don’t even know what to say- that would have hurt me, to be honest, quite deeply.
    I’m just sorry- so sorry for the stupidity of others.

    Reply

  20. Tess,
    What an ignorant bitch. And you can tell her we all said so! “Natural”?? WTF?? I guess if I ever have one it will be very unnatural by her standards!
    Sending extra prayers to you and J and C and S and S and Mag. C!!!!
    What a tough week you have had on top of the stress of just trying to take care of your family!
    Wish I could have you over for a cup of tea…….or something stronger!
    xoxoxoxoxo

    Reply

  21. Wondering where you had been. Sorry that you’ve been feeling bad. That was a horrible thing for that woman to say-ignore it. Some people never grow up.
    Give Carys and Jasper and Miss Sela a big hug. An extra hug for my favorite Carys. And Sebbie.
    Hang in there, Mag. Charles will be home soon, right? : )

    Reply

  22. I am sorry your friend said such an insensitive thing… This is not your fault! Your kids have a wonderful, supportive Mom, and it’s OK to be sad… Just shows your concern and love for them.
    Hope hubby comes home soon!!!!
    Hugs!
    Julie

    Reply

  23. Oh Tess!
    I remember people being so insensitive to me after my first son was still born,like oh you can have more, GOD musthave wanted him, or even better there must have been something wrong with him so it is better this way. urgggg
    I will pray for you to forgive and the Lord to forgive her and in addition for the kids to be just who GOd wants them to be, hang in there.
    Love Deborah Sedgewick

    Reply

  24. Tess, you need to send this woman a litle card that reads, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.”
    I can’t even come up with names vile enough to call her. Well, I can, but I don’t want to use them here.
    I’m sorry there are so many ignorant people in the world.
    Much love… xoxo

    Reply

  25. Tess, you need to send this woman a litle card that reads, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.”
    I can’t even come up with names vile enough to call her. Well, I can, but I don’t want to use them here.
    I’m sorry there are so many ignorant people in the world.
    Much love… xoxo

    Reply

  26. What a horrible, ignorant thing to say.
    Stupid people, every where.

    Reply

  27. What’s not natural is people feeling like they have the right to be insensitive and cruel, and in this case, I think the woman knew she was being both.

    Reply

  28. Whatever happened to observance of the golden rule?
    FWIW, I am so very proud to call you a friend. The way that you rise up to each day and the grace with which you live your life.
    Yes, you “knew what you were getting into” with your children, but it certainly did not include having to deal with unwelcome, unsolicited commentary from the mothers of friends of friends.
    Evil bitch. She comes near you again & you’ll have a posse of women at your back.

    Reply

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ABOUT AUTHOR
WANTED FOR BLOGGING

a 34 year old mother of four.

RECENT POSTS
BREAD AND THE BAD BIT

Are sandwich letters a bad thing? You know sandwich letters, you’ve received one before, everyone has. They’re an impersonal form of rejection. Think back to

More precious than silver

Love comes in many forms. It isn’t my dad’s birthday, and it certainly isn’t Father’s Day, but today I want to dedicate my blog to

ohhh…THAT blue dress girl

monica lewinsky was on the cover of a magazine the other day. she is a person i have a great deal of sympathy for. bill

Water: essential or a loved luxury?

when i first moved to hong kong in may 1997, charles and i were had student loans and virtually no capital. his contract was ending

Face it, its a facelift

This weeks’ cover of people magazine sees hollywood babes denigrate plastic surgery. they all do. yet no one is getting older in that celluloid, cellulite

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28 Replies to “”

  1. OK. That makes me FURIOUS!!! What an insensitive and ignorant BITCH! WHY on earth would one human being say that to another?!?! I hope you kicked her smartly in the shins and then asked her if you deserved less than perfect children because you had to go to such great lengths to conceive them? And if all things were equal, shouldn’t those efforts count in the “healthy children bequests” dept?!
    I am sorry that you encountered such an idiotic cow and and I am sorry that your wee cuties are facing challenges that make you sad. Keep feeling better…..inspite of the asshats that would bring you down.

    Reply

  2. Tess, I have been following your story since the triplets were born. I can’t believe she said that! How ignorant of her! I’m sorry her ignorance hurt you. Your kids are beautiful and you are a wonderful mom.

    Reply

  3. What a terrible thing to say – I’m sorry she was so ignorant and rude.
    Glad you’re doing a bit better – hope it continues!

    Reply

  4. this is where i would have the temptation to be extremely rude back (and probably throw in a few four-letter words just to punctuate my point). but then, i’m not a very nice person. if ivf were inherently so dangerous does she think it would be an alternative? granted i don’t know everything, but people who are so ignorant in even the most basic science and refuse to learn are simply not worth my time (except in bitching about, but then having been a professional bitch at times it’s probably what i do best). mind if i bitch-smack some sense into that woman for you?
    it’s frustrating for those of us you share your life with to see J and C struggle, so i can’t even imagine how hard it is for you. hopefully they will outgrow/overcome their challenges and be granted easy teenagehoods.
    and speaking of bitching, shit it’s COLD! it’s hit 30 the past couple nights (that’s -1 or something to you). okay, i know for the rest of the world that’s a winter warm-up, but indulge this thin-blooded floridian a few minutes to conceptualize that if it rained now, it would actually be snowing. speaking of snow, i have wanted to take Sagan to see snow for a year now. anyone here have any snow within driving distance of florida?

    Reply

  5. I am flying to HK right now to kick her in the Cee U Next Tuesday!

    Reply

  6. What a ignorant cow, bitch, skank whoever she is. I do know that in life what goes around comes around, and Tess, one day she will get what is coming to her. I hope I never find out who it is as I being a “outsider” would probably give her what I am good at..(telling people off and using many 4 lettered words to do so). Hopefully her child/ren do(es) not grow up to be as ignorant and insensitive as she is.
    You are a much stronger person than I am .
    You tell little Carys to be strong, as when Auntie sees her she will give her extra ice cream ,cookies and lots of love and spoiling to help her through the rough spots. Of course Jasper and Sela will get the same treatment, but it will be extra incentive for Carys while she is at physio!

    Reply

  7. Tess,
    I’m so sorry you’re sad, ignorant public aside. Make sure you find the support you need. You’re a great mom and you’ll fight hard for your kids. I always marvel at your strength.
    cricketchurping.blogger.com

    Reply

  8. DearTess,
    I have wondered why we hadn’t heard from you…and I was missing your wonderful writings…now I know.
    Some people are so ignorant…perhaps you should send us Miss Brain Burps’ address and we could send some equally caring thoughts her way…in a christian way of course!!!!
    Here is a special Friendship Prayer for this person…
    FRIENDSHIP PRAYER
    “May the fleas of a thousand camels infest the crotch of the person who screws up your day,and may their arms be too short to scratch…
    AMEN
    I love you, we all love you, we love, adore, admire and pray for your family…
    each day…and after sending this friendship prayer…I’d better say a prayer for myself!!
    Love you,
    Karen

    Reply

  9. I am so sorry your “friend” wasn’t smart enough to just say she was sorry. I am sorry she thought it was OK to give an opinion on something she does not know enough about.
    Please stay positive & keep doing the tremendous job you are doing. It will pay off in time. The road is rough right now, and your babies need you to keep going.
    I admire you. Wish I could be there to hug you, and to listen to your concerns, and I promise I would not say DUMB STUFF!

    Reply

  10. Wha-?! Who says something like that?? I wonder why it is so difficult to offer empathy without judgement. Having said that, I realize I’m judging her. The complexities are making my head hurt.
    I am sorry you’re feeling sad – I hope you get nothing but good news and good vibes from hereon in. Your kids sure are cute!

    Reply

  11. Oh Tess. I am so sorry that anyone would feel the need to say you don’t have the right to be sad. And to insult your beautiful babies, your lovely miracle babies, just brings tears to my eyes. Damn it.
    Thinking of all of you.

    Reply

  12. GAH!
    *Who* in their right mind would think that is an appropriate statement to make?
    You are so much nicer than I would’ve been.
    ~shaking head~
    Here’s hoping the sadness lifts and good news comes tomorrow.

    Reply

  13. I’, sorry there ae people like that. You have every right to feel any way you feel. I hate when people tell someone how they “ought” to feel. I’m glad you’re feeling better, and I hope you continue to.

    Reply

  14. Oh Tess,
    How could someone be so rude? Of course you’re allowed to be sad. I just wish that I could come over and give you a great big hug. You’re doing a fabulous job with your triplets – and you are ensuring that they reach their full potential.

    Reply

  15. Tess,
    as if, as mothers, we don’t have enough guilt that we can come up with on our own! I am so sorry someone said that to you, and it makes me brace myself for the dumb things people will (and have) said when I tell them that Andrew has Downs Syn. Most people tell me they are “so sorry” and that makes me feel sad and crappy b/c it implies that he is somehow not how he should be! You are an amazing mom. A friend told me last week (she has 4 kids who have issues that range from autism to other stuff) that she kept questioning God as to why HER children were “difficult” and he told her, if I didn’t give them to YOU, who should I give them to? Our children and your children are not a burden, but blessings with extra challenges that He will give us the grace to handle. Who wants to have “typical” kids anyway? How boring would that be?
    sending love from Florida…
    Molly
    PS – Amazing Jeff (my dh) wrote a post to our blog yesterday that was very inspiring to me – wanted to share it with you…
    http://vothfamilyadventure.blogspot.com

    Reply

  16. Mum aka Mo aka Maureen January 20, 2005 at 4:37 am

    Tess darling, I am so proud of you.
    Love as always, M xox

    Reply

  17. Okay, that makes me so mad. How dare someone say that to anyone. I had someone that felt the sameway about me, but I couldn’t control myself and let them have it. I can’t believe she said that. Some people have no feelings at all. Sorry that happened. Prayers coming your way.

    Reply

  18. Well that comment was wrong on so many levels!
    All children are natural? They’re not androids!
    Oh, what a rotten rotten thing to say.
    Ignore it.
    Must I fly to Hong Kong and slap people?

    Reply

  19. Tess- just wow. I just cannot fathom the stupidity and carelessness of people and their comments. I just don’t even know what to say- that would have hurt me, to be honest, quite deeply.
    I’m just sorry- so sorry for the stupidity of others.

    Reply

  20. Tess,
    What an ignorant bitch. And you can tell her we all said so! “Natural”?? WTF?? I guess if I ever have one it will be very unnatural by her standards!
    Sending extra prayers to you and J and C and S and S and Mag. C!!!!
    What a tough week you have had on top of the stress of just trying to take care of your family!
    Wish I could have you over for a cup of tea…….or something stronger!
    xoxoxoxoxo

    Reply

  21. Wondering where you had been. Sorry that you’ve been feeling bad. That was a horrible thing for that woman to say-ignore it. Some people never grow up.
    Give Carys and Jasper and Miss Sela a big hug. An extra hug for my favorite Carys. And Sebbie.
    Hang in there, Mag. Charles will be home soon, right? : )

    Reply

  22. I am sorry your friend said such an insensitive thing… This is not your fault! Your kids have a wonderful, supportive Mom, and it’s OK to be sad… Just shows your concern and love for them.
    Hope hubby comes home soon!!!!
    Hugs!
    Julie

    Reply

  23. Oh Tess!
    I remember people being so insensitive to me after my first son was still born,like oh you can have more, GOD musthave wanted him, or even better there must have been something wrong with him so it is better this way. urgggg
    I will pray for you to forgive and the Lord to forgive her and in addition for the kids to be just who GOd wants them to be, hang in there.
    Love Deborah Sedgewick

    Reply

  24. Tess, you need to send this woman a litle card that reads, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.”
    I can’t even come up with names vile enough to call her. Well, I can, but I don’t want to use them here.
    I’m sorry there are so many ignorant people in the world.
    Much love… xoxo

    Reply

  25. Tess, you need to send this woman a litle card that reads, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.”
    I can’t even come up with names vile enough to call her. Well, I can, but I don’t want to use them here.
    I’m sorry there are so many ignorant people in the world.
    Much love… xoxo

    Reply

  26. What a horrible, ignorant thing to say.
    Stupid people, every where.

    Reply

  27. What’s not natural is people feeling like they have the right to be insensitive and cruel, and in this case, I think the woman knew she was being both.

    Reply

  28. Whatever happened to observance of the golden rule?
    FWIW, I am so very proud to call you a friend. The way that you rise up to each day and the grace with which you live your life.
    Yes, you “knew what you were getting into” with your children, but it certainly did not include having to deal with unwelcome, unsolicited commentary from the mothers of friends of friends.
    Evil bitch. She comes near you again & you’ll have a posse of women at your back.

    Reply

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Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

ABOUT AUTHOR
WANTED FOR BLOGGING

a 34 year old mother of four.

RECENT POSTS
BREAD AND THE BAD BIT

Are sandwich letters a bad thing? You know sandwich letters, you’ve received one before, everyone has. They’re an impersonal form of rejection. Think back to

More precious than silver

Love comes in many forms. It isn’t my dad’s birthday, and it certainly isn’t Father’s Day, but today I want to dedicate my blog to

ohhh…THAT blue dress girl

monica lewinsky was on the cover of a magazine the other day. she is a person i have a great deal of sympathy for. bill

Water: essential or a loved luxury?

when i first moved to hong kong in may 1997, charles and i were had student loans and virtually no capital. his contract was ending

Face it, its a facelift

This weeks’ cover of people magazine sees hollywood babes denigrate plastic surgery. they all do. yet no one is getting older in that celluloid, cellulite