This means so much, Colette, thank you. And, in my mind, is the epitome of feminism.

I can only imagine how painful that must have been for you, and I’m not sure I’d be anywhere near as philosophical about it if I’d gone through the same thing — your response is truly a testament to the strength of your character. I’m so sorry for your loss, I really am.

I am lucky, very lucky. And I got through the time that Ziggy was in Special Care by reminding myself of that every day. I was surrounded by people who had it worse than I did, much worse. Perspective was key to survival during that time.

My mother lost her son, my little brother, to a strep infection when he was two months old. When I think about that, I feel guilty about complaining about literally anything.

But it’s a dangerous slippery slope to silence yourself or other people because someone out there who is worse off. If that’s the case, does the woman who is being beaten shut her trap because another woman got murdered by her partner? Does the woman who suffers sexual harassment shut up because another woman got raped?

There is room for all of these conversations and conversations started early, in the right places, could well be used to empower women and prevent them from being the person who is “worse off”.

Thank you again, Colette, you’re a powerful presence on Medium.