“What would you say to another parent going through exactly what you're going through?”

Why this question

The things you'd tell someone you love. The gentleness you perhaps don't offer yourself.

Capturing it in voice

• ·You don't need quiet. You need now. Record it in the car, on the walk to school, at the foot of the bed.
• ·Record it on an ordinary day — the background noise of your kitchen is part of the keepsake.
• ·If they're old enough, hand them the phone and let them answer it themselves. Their phrasing is the treasure; don't tidy it.

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