Article February 12, 2024 Issue

“Your search is over”

Herta Tompkins

My husband was a career military man in the United States Army. After being stationed in Germany for five years, he volunteered to serve in Vietnam in 1967. I was expecting our third child at the time, so our two daughters and I moved to New York to stay with my parents for the duration of his 13-month tour. The thought of having this baby with the support of family filled me with joy.

But that joy was short-lived, for our newborn died in the hospital the day she was born. I never even got to see or hold her.

I was devastated, grief-stricken, and very angry with God, as I thought He had let this happen. I didn’t know who God was or if He really existed.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Kids

I got back on my bike the next day!