A simple request on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. It’s a day that doesn’t resonate with most people, and I am glad most people don’t know what the day means.

But those who do are likely struggling with an experience that defies words. Unfortunately, the reactions that many people have only make that experience worse.

Returning to work and the routine after the death of a child is the hardest experience. I will not call it the “new normal” because that is the most inane term possible.

So, today, in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, I have a simple request. Show some grace.

Don’t deny someone a promotion because they didn’t do enough while on bereavement leave. Don’t call out someone for their seeming lack of amusement in conversations about people’s annoyances with their kids.

And certainly don’t call them “privileged.”

It’s amazing how many people masquerading as “leaders” take this approach. A true leader has a relationship with everyone on their team.

Maybe they’re struggling to make it through the day, and constantly being reminded of their loss doesn’t make matters better. If we want to make the workplace the truly inclusive place it deserves to be, don’t forget those who have lost children.

If you can’t muster the strength to take that approach every day of the year, at least do that on Oct. 15. It may mean more to those on your team than you realize.