The group leader responded kindly, “Fear like that is a normal response to trauma. You’re not broken—you’re healing.”
I sank down, overwhelmed. This wasn’t about betrayal or regret. It was about a man deeply shaken by the possibility of losing his family.
I stayed and listened as Ryan shared more. He talked about recurring nightmares, about replaying the delivery over and over in his mind. He admitted he avoided holding Lily closely because he was afraid his anxiety might affect her.
“I don’t want her to feel my fear,” he said. “I’d rather keep some distance until I can be the father she deserves.”
The leader suggested gently, “You don’t have to go through this alone. Have you considered involving Julia?”
Ryan shook his head. “She almost died. She doesn’t need to worry about me too.”
Hearing that broke my heart. He had been carrying all of this by himself.
The next morning, while Ryan was at work and Lily was asleep, I called the center.
“My husband attends your support group,” I said. “Is there a way for me to be involved?”
The receptionist responded warmly, “We have a group for partners on Wednesday evenings. You’re welcome to join.”
