58 | Story of Malachi: Living Through Loss - Crystall Boatwright

This is a story about loss - In memory of Malachi Cayden Boatwright

Crystall was 28 weeks before she found out she was pregnant. Working in the wellness and hospitality industry and during a pretty chaotic time, she had attributed her symptoms of fatigue and sickness to the stress of work. She soon started feeling worse and wanting to make sure there wasn't a serious problem she went to the doctor - who expressed to her that she was pregnant, 28 weeks, and there were some daunting concerns about the baby's health. They spent the rest of the day through testing and trying to process all the information. There was no amniotic fluid, baby's organs and kidneys were underdeveloped, and she would need to carry to term.

Crystall and her husband spent the next months getting to know their son and soaking up as much of the time they had with him in joy. Malachi was born 7lbs, eyes bright and open taking in his parents. After some time in NICU, he transitioned with his father rocking and singing to him. Crystall is honest that it was tough and painful to try and go back to what was. As she put it, how do you explain to people what you went through and what you're going through - "There is no baby in me and no baby in my arms."

Crystall attributes that the place she is currently on her journey is due to finding community and other families that had walked in her shoes. Others allowed her to share her truth, all parts of it without question, and with lots of love. There is healing in community, there is support in community, and there is always space in community - in whatever capacity you may need it.

Resources:

Sisters in Loss Podcast | digital media platform dedicated to replacing silence with storytelling around pregnancy and infant loss and infertility of black women