This was so tender and deeply moving. Thank you for putting such honest words to a grief that so many of us carry quietly. The part about “nonfinite losses” especially stayed with me—how something can be gone but still shape us. Your faith, your strength, and the love you hold for Archie and Phin shine through every line. Sending so much warmth your way. 💛
This really endeared me to you, Rachel. I’m grateful for how openly you shared such raw and difficult grief—the kind of loss many don’t know how to name. Your honesty about the emotional weight of the decision struck me deeply. And your trust in God’s providence—that if it wasn’t meant to go forward, He would intervene—that’s something I really admire. Thank you for inviting us into this tender part of your story.
Thanks so much Rachel for your vulnerability. I had not heard about "nonfinite loss" before. It's good to have a word for that now. Often, single women like me have gone through years of people kindly "praying for a husband for you" which, is kind and well-intentioned, but in some way is a continual reinforcement of the fact that you are missing out and lacking something important in life. But what is less often recognized is the fact that single women also go through the grief of infertility - not because we were physically unable to have children, but that window of opportunity, in time, also closes. So single women also often quietly grieve infertility, but they face it alone, or in my case, with Jesus, the one who counts our tears. I think in some ways it was a bigger loss even than not having married. Nonfinite losses - thanks for giving me a clear term to hang that grief upon.
It somehow helps to define it doesn’t it? That’s how I felt. And to have some clarity on what you’re grieving & why it’s okay to grieve. Those are 2 very real nonfinite losses. I know it really helped me to make that appointment with my grief and write letters or journal through it. Thank you for sharing, Janine 💛
Oh wow I love the concept of a nonfinite loss. My dad died four years ago, and while losing a person seems like it should be more of a finite loss, the initial loss is accompanied by so many more that are nonfinite. Holidays, occasions, milestones, conversations that will all never be. Grief is such a wild process. Thanks for sharing this. 💜
Ahh Rachel, it breaks my heart to hear all you've been grieving. Thanks for being so vulnerable and sharing about the complexities of this experience. I, too, am grieving nonfinite loss right now and hearing how God's spoken promises to you in the midst of your suffering brings me so much hope. Praying you continue to feel his presence and comfort, and be able to see those promises unfold.
Praying the same for you, Hayley, as you grieve in the quiet. I know nonfinite losses can be like that. And I know Jesus is sitting, walking beside you like He did and does with me. I feel so valued that you’ve taken the time to journey with me!
This was so tender and deeply moving. Thank you for putting such honest words to a grief that so many of us carry quietly. The part about “nonfinite losses” especially stayed with me—how something can be gone but still shape us. Your faith, your strength, and the love you hold for Archie and Phin shine through every line. Sending so much warmth your way. 💛
Thank you, Sae. I feel your support & love, even through here!
This really endeared me to you, Rachel. I’m grateful for how openly you shared such raw and difficult grief—the kind of loss many don’t know how to name. Your honesty about the emotional weight of the decision struck me deeply. And your trust in God’s providence—that if it wasn’t meant to go forward, He would intervene—that’s something I really admire. Thank you for inviting us into this tender part of your story.
Thanks for entering into it too, Cole. It means a lot.
This is absolutely beautiful, Rachel. Your heart shines through. Thank you!
Thank you, Brooke 💛
Not always easy to make the "right" decision but when we walked with Christ, his grace follows us no matter what. Thank you for your graceful share!
Thank you 💛
Thanks so much Rachel for your vulnerability. I had not heard about "nonfinite loss" before. It's good to have a word for that now. Often, single women like me have gone through years of people kindly "praying for a husband for you" which, is kind and well-intentioned, but in some way is a continual reinforcement of the fact that you are missing out and lacking something important in life. But what is less often recognized is the fact that single women also go through the grief of infertility - not because we were physically unable to have children, but that window of opportunity, in time, also closes. So single women also often quietly grieve infertility, but they face it alone, or in my case, with Jesus, the one who counts our tears. I think in some ways it was a bigger loss even than not having married. Nonfinite losses - thanks for giving me a clear term to hang that grief upon.
It somehow helps to define it doesn’t it? That’s how I felt. And to have some clarity on what you’re grieving & why it’s okay to grieve. Those are 2 very real nonfinite losses. I know it really helped me to make that appointment with my grief and write letters or journal through it. Thank you for sharing, Janine 💛
Oh wow I love the concept of a nonfinite loss. My dad died four years ago, and while losing a person seems like it should be more of a finite loss, the initial loss is accompanied by so many more that are nonfinite. Holidays, occasions, milestones, conversations that will all never be. Grief is such a wild process. Thanks for sharing this. 💜
This is exactly how I’ve felt about the loss of my dad recently. My heart is with you, Tirzah 💛
Ahh Rachel, it breaks my heart to hear all you've been grieving. Thanks for being so vulnerable and sharing about the complexities of this experience. I, too, am grieving nonfinite loss right now and hearing how God's spoken promises to you in the midst of your suffering brings me so much hope. Praying you continue to feel his presence and comfort, and be able to see those promises unfold.
Praying the same for you, Hayley, as you grieve in the quiet. I know nonfinite losses can be like that. And I know Jesus is sitting, walking beside you like He did and does with me. I feel so valued that you’ve taken the time to journey with me!
Thank you so much! It's good to have others to walk with in times like these, even through the grace of Substack. :)