" When you’ve lost a baby, everyone around you expects you to be fine once the new baby is born, as though that somehow takes away the pain of losing the first child. I needed to express how wrong that was. "
- Elizabeth McCracken

The quote suggests that when someone experiences a loss, such as the death of a child, others often believe that having another child will alleviate their grief and pain. However, this expectation can be misguided because it fails to acknowledge the unique nature of each individual’s sorrow.

Underlying this statement is a broader message about society's tendency to underestimate or dismiss profound personal losses with simplistic solutions. Losing a baby is an extraordinarily painful experience; expecting someone to move on quickly by having another child overlooks the complex emotions and healing process involved in such a loss. The quote highlights that grief cannot be easily resolved or replaced, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting each person's journey through their own sorrow.

Elizabeth McCracken is a celebrated American author known for her novels and essays that often explore themes of family, love, and loss with poignant and insightful narratives. Her work frequently delves into personal experiences to provide readers with profound reflections on human emotions and relationships.