"You are my best friend. I promise to go fishing. I promise to tell funny jokes. I promise to care for you. Thank you for being in my life," Hannah giggled as she said her vows.

But these were no ordinary vows.

Hannah's story

Hannah and Ashley are sisters from Indiana with a tight bond, but their bond is much deeper than the average sisterly relationship.

"Hannah and I are best friends first, sisters second," Ashley said. "We do everything together and I could not have asked God for a better sister. Hannah brings out the best side of me."

"Hannah has Down Syndrome and diabetes and will always need to be under my parents or my care. Someday when my parents are no longer here, I will be Hannah's full time guardian," said Ashley in a post featured on Love What Matters.

And she has been under Ashley's watchful care for a long time now. Ashley and her husband, Will, met seven years ago, and Ashley made sure that Hannah always felt included.

"When I first met Will, I introduced him to my sister Hannah and I told him we were a package deal," she said.

Will's story

A lot of men wouldn't be too keen on sharing so much time with an in-law. So how did the newlywed husband feel about his wife's sister being such a big part of their relationship?

"Will had no problem and took Hannah in as a sister, including her on dates, always remembering flowers for her on valentines day [sic] and everything in between. He protected her and cared for her like the best big brother," said Ashley.

After being with Ashley for seven years, Will knew how important it would be for Hannah to be an integral part of the wedding.

Back to the wedding

Just as she was a part of Will and Ashley's relationship when they were dating, Hannah was a big part of their wedding.

"She walked down the aisle with Will's grandfather and stood behind me during the ceremony. She then exchanged vows with Will and told him she always promises to go fishing, tell funny jokes, and always care for him. She thanked him for being in his life," Ashley explained.

"Will did the same, promising the same promises and telling her she's one in a million. They vowed to be best friends forever and hugged."

And all three lived happily ever after

Ashley says she is grateful that she and Will have such a good friendship and that "Hannah is just the perfect addition."

They hope their message of friendship and love continues spreading.

The post This man stands at the altar with two sisters; what he pledges to both is uncommonly sweet appeared first on FamilyToday.

Take a look at the top baby girl names

Clearly, the nation is loving "Emma," "Olivia" and "Ava." Florida squeaked in the only "Isabella." Montana, North Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia mixed things up with "Harper." And New Hampshire kept things fresh with the only "Charlotte."

And now check out the top baby boy names

For boys, the country loved "William," "Liam" (a variation of William) and "Oliver" (the masculine version of Olivia). There were a lot of nods to biblical names such as "Noah," "Elijah" and "Benjamin." The only states with unique top baby names were Minnesota with "Henry," Montana with "James," and West Virginia with "Mason."

What do you think? Are these your top baby names? Is it time we mix things up? Let us know in the comments below!

The post These are the top baby names in each state appeared first on FamilyToday.

All that activity and more is why it's so important to keep your body in tip-top shape. So here are the five best foods to fuel your day and keep your body going:

1. Water

Although water is not technically a food, it is absolutely essential to keep your body running smoothly. Water keeps your joints lubricated, your body waste-free and your temperature normal. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking 11.5 cups of water per day for women and 15.5 cups of water per day for men.

2. Eggs

Not only are eggs packed with protein, but they are inexpensive and easy to cook. Scramble them, poach them, add veggies and make an omelette with them. Any way you take them will give you about six grams of protein per serving, which will fill you up and keep you alert all morning.

3. Spinach

There's a reason Popeye ate spinach when he needed a boost of strength and energy. A serving of spinach is about four cups and only has 20 calories. It will give you a huge boost of vitamin A for your vision, antioxidants for your skin and iron for your energy. Add it to a smoothie, scrambled eggs, a sandwich or a salad.

4. Apples

Did you know one apple can give you as much energy as a cup of coffee? All that energy in the morning without the inevitable crash or staining your teeth make apples a go-to breakfast fruit. The average 25 grams of natural sugar per apple is a slow-burning fructose, which gives you steady energy. In addition, apples have eight percent daily value of Vitamin C and five grams of fiber, which will give you the fuel you need to be fresh and alert at any point of the day.

5. Iron from meats or nuts

A three-ounce serving size (about the size of a deck of cards) of meat provides up to 22 grams of protein and five percent daily value of iron. If you're feeling tired or groggy, it may be a case of iron deficiency, which causes fatigue. And for the vegan or vegetarian, there are plenty of meatless ways to get your daily dose of protein and iron like nuts, tofu or beans.

Food to avoid

1. Energy bars

Many energy bars are actually packed with sugar and carbohydrates. This combination will give you a boost of energy but will cause you to crash later or feel hungry after just a few hours.

2. Specialty coffee drinks

The number one thing that will derail an energetic day and a healthy lifestyle is drinking your calories. Specialty coffee drinks can contain up to 70 grams of sugar and 450 calories. Unless you have time for a mid-morning nap, stay away from these drinks.

3. Pastries

Muffins, doughnuts and cakes will quickly zap your energy just like specialty coffee drinks because of their high sugar content. The sugar rush will leave you feeling exhausted after just a few hours. If you just can't stay away from these treats, try making low-sugar versions or limiting yourself to one a day.

4. Fried foods

Frying foods adds fat, making you feel lethargic and bloated. Not to mention the fact that many fried foods like chicken, buffalo wings and onion rings are breaded, which adds to the fat content. On top of that, french fries, mozzarella sticks and anything else you can fry usually has a lot of added salt.

5. Soda

Soda is just another sugary drink with no nutritional value. The average can of soda contains about 33 grams of sugar and almost no vitamins, minerals or proteins. An occasional soda can be a nice treat, but drinking soda everyday will be a major energy zapper.

Try adding the top five body-fueling foods to your diet and nix the top five energy zappers, then see how your energy levels change. Getting the right amounts of protein, iron and water will help you face anything that comes your way.

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If you're looking for the epitome of health and beauty in Hollywood, it's safe to say you can find it in Jennifer Aniston. She has repeatedly been named Most Beautiful Woman, Best Dressed, and Sexiest Woman of All Time - and at age 48 Jenn is still on top of her game.

That's why when Jennifer Aniston gives health advice, we listen.

In a recent interview Jennifer told Harper's Bazaar, "Now I'm doing apple cider vinegar in the morning." And the morning health routine doesn't stop there.

"Vitamins. Vitamins. Vitamins. I take a lot of vitamins, I'm not going to lie. It changes all the time ... you go down a Googling hole to understand the benefits of that, or turmeric or dandelion for water retention," she said, talking about the constantly changing beauty trends. She did mention the vinegar but didn't elaborate on what she does with it or why she's on the ACV train.

While ACV might be the newest trend in beauty, it's hard to argue with Jennifer - who looks amazing at almost 50 years old.

Benefits of ACV

Jennifer might not have outlined to her fans exactly why she starts her day with this type of vinegar, but research has been backing its benefits for years. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) packs a punch when it comes to health benefits. It has been scientifically proven to lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol, and can help you lose weight by making you feel full.

Other, non-scientific claims say that drinking ACV or applying it topically can produce clear skin, shiny hair, whiter teeth and better nails.

How to start an ACV routine

When using ACV, the most important thing is to dilute it, whether you are drinking it or using it topically.

Healthline suggests adding 1-2 tablespoons of ACV to a glass of water and drinking it in the morning to start your day off right. While the vinegar is considered low in calories and harmless, Healthline does caution about excess consumption possibly leading to harmful effects.

You can also mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water in a spray bottle, to spray on your scalp to help get rid of dandruff and make your hair shiny and fresh. You can also use the same solution as a gargle to help get rid of a sore throat.

If you're interested in following Jen's advice to mix up your morning routine, try some ACV and let us know in the comments below how it benefits your new beauty regime.

The post Jennifer Aniston uses THIS beauty secret DAILY to start her day appeared first on FamilyToday.

Stress is a natural part of being a human - it's unavoidable.Your stress levels probably rise and fall throughout the day and throughout different phases of life ... But chronic stress can cause some serious problems.

Chronic stress isn't only taxing on your mind, it also starts to affect (or even cause) physical ailments, too. Here are some things that happen when our bodies are over-stressed:

1. Your muscles

Too much stress causes our muscles to tense up and become sore, causing back pain and tension headaches. According to the Cleveland Clinic, stress can also lead to severe arthritis and fibromyalgia flare-ups. Because stress causes a lower pain threshold, these physical symptoms only worsen when you are stressed out.

2. Your heart and lungs

A stressful life has been correlated with high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeats and blood clots.The Lung Institute also reports chronic stress being linked to worsening symptoms of asthma and chronic bronchitis, all of which are severe health problems.

3. Your skin and hair

Prolonged stress can cause hives, excessive sweating and hair loss. Any skin conditions can also flare-up under stress. Your body loses its ability to repair itself quickly when stressed, so skin flare-ups (like acne) are more likely to scar, according to experts at Women's Health. And some stress symptoms don't even appear immediately - Your hair might not shed excessively until 3 to 6 months after a majorly stressful situation, adds Roberta Sengelmann, M.D., a dermatologist in Santa Barbara, California.

4. Your stomach

Sometimes, stress can be the cause of stomach pain, gas, indigestion, diarrhea and constipation. Research suggests that those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) benefit from relaxation therapy, possible correlating the severity of IBS with your stress level.

5. Your shoulders, head, and jaw

Tension in these three areas have been associated with stress, triggering headaches, knots and spasms. "Doctors call this the 'tension triangle," according to the Cleveland Clinic - carrying so much tension and stress in these key areas makes for some unpleasant physical symptoms. It can also play a part in TMD.

6. Your immune system

According to Healthline, "Stress stimulates the immune system, which can be a plus for immediate situations. This stimulation can help you avoid infections and heal wounds. But over time, stress hormones will weaken your immune system and reduce your body's response to foreign invaders." This is why frequently stressed-out people have a hard time fighting off colds and the flu.

7. Your mental health

Too much stress can make you feel overwhelmed, restless, irritable or unfocused, and can help contribute to mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety. MentalHelp reports research that suggests chronic stress can lead to heightened mood disorders, problems with cognitive thinking, personality changes and problems in behavior.

Stress Solutions

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, stress-check your life. Feeling consistently over-stressed is not normal and will only make a problem worse. Find simple ways to relieve stress like avoiding the situation (or person), getting enough sleep, exercising, meditating, journaling, or talking about it - your body will thank you for less stress in your life.

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There are many ways to discover who you are (like your birthday or your sleep position), but did you know that the shape of your face affects your personality and how people judge you?

Defining the shape of your face

It can be difficult to know what face shape you have but here are some ways to find out:

1. Outline your reflection in a mirror with lipstick

2. What is the widest part of your face? (forehead, cheekbones, jaw, or everything is equal)

3. What is your jaw shape? (round, pointy, square)

4. How long is your face? (short, average, long)

5. Do you have a widow's peak? (yes, no)

OVAL

Defining physical characteristics

You have a narrow, pointy jaw, slightly wider cheekbones and your face is longer than it is wide. You might resemble celebrities like Beyoncé, Tina Fey, Jessica Alba, Kate Middleton and Jamie Lee Curtis.

What people think about you

People can see that you are practical, an overachiever and logical. You always make people feel welcome and always know the right thing to say in any moment.

ROUND

Defining physical characteristics

You have a wider hairline, full cheeks and a round jaw. Your face is shorter and wider than it is tall. Your celebrity look-alike might be Ginnifer Goodwin, Kirsten Dunst, Mila Kunis, Emma Stone, Kelly Clarkson or Michelle Williams.

What people think about you

Everyone around you can sense your jovial, sensitive, caring and innocent personality. You are detail-oriented, precise and a good communicator. And if someone crosses you, you have sharp words if needed.

SQUARE

Defining physical characteristics

Your face is squared off at the forehead and the chin with narrow sides and cheekbones. Lady Gaga, Natalie Portman, Leighton Meester, Olivia Wilde, Demi Moore and Angelina Jolie could be your face-shape sisters.

What people think about you

Your high stamina, quick wit and ambitious personality shine through for everyone to see. You are also highly analytic and determined, which can easily seem aggressive or competitive.

HEART

Defining physical characteristics

You have a wide forehead and pointed chin. You most likely have a widow's peak. This face shape is the opposite of the triangle. You resemble Reese Witherspoon, Zooey Deschanel, Kourtney Kardashian, Eva Longoria and Scarlett Johansson.

What people think about you

It's clear that you have strong intuitions, are strong-minded, and have lots of energy. You often like to perform or be in the limelight so you can show off your inner power. When you have a goal, everyone knows you won't stop until you achieve it.

TRIANGLE

Defining physical characteristics

You have a wide, broad jaw line with a narrow forehead. This face shape is the opposite of the heart. Your celebrity dopplegangers are Kelly Osbourne, Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham and Ellie Kemper.

What people think about you

Your face shape shows everyone that you are artistic, creative, driven and successful. Although you are mostly easy-going, you can be known for your fiery temperaments at times. You are usually happiest when you're in charge and in control.

DIAMOND

Defining physical characteristics

Your face is narrow, slightly pointed at the forehead and chin, while wider at the cheekbones. You look just like Taylor Swift, Vanessa Hudgens, Selma Blair, Halle Berry and Ashley Greene.

What people think about you

People can see clearly that you deliver high-quality work, and you like to be in control and in the know. You are very determined but can also be occasionally unpredictable. Regardless, everyone enjoys your company because of your attention to detail and the great stories you remember.

The truth about face shapes

Face shapes can be somewhat subjective. You might have a clearly defined shape or it might be a combination of two or three shapes. Just remember, whatever your shape, you are beautiful! Use your characteristics to your advantage and show the world how amazing you truly are.

The post Discover how people judge you according to the shape of your face appeared first on FamilyToday.

As a parent, saying you have your hands full is an understatement. Throw in the constantly changing world of social media and it would be enough to make anyone's head spin.

Recently, Instagram made some changes. But don't worry — we are here to help you navigate the popular app so you and your children are kept healthy and safe.

1. Stories

Following the example of SnapChat, Instagram added a feature at the top of your feed that shows disappearing photos or videos that can be shared privately among your followers or publicly. You can also see anyone's videos on the "Explore" option. In the settings tab you can choose to hide stories from certain people, but you have to select them individually and can only hide from your followers.

2. Direct messages

Instagram also followed SnapChat by adding a direct messages option. Just like stories, direct photo and video messages disappear after a few seconds but you can only send them to individuals; they are not broadcast to followers or the world. Regular text messages sent on Instagram do not disappear.

3. Location settings

"The photo and video app is launching location and hashtag-themed Stories, collections of user posts that are labeled with a specific city or hashtag." said Kurt Wagner from Recode. This may sound scary to parents, but don't be alarmed. Posted stories will not publicly show you or your kid's location unless it is purposefully tagged by the user. Talk to your kids about maintaining online privacy.

4. User agreement

According to Instagram's Terms of Service, "Instagram does not claim ownership of any Content that you post on or through the Service. Instead, you hereby grant to Instagram a non-exclusive, fully paid and royalty-free, transferable, sub-licensable, worldwide license to use the Content that you post on or through the Service, subject to the Service's Privacy Policy ... "

In other words, Instagram does not own the content you put on their platform, but they can use it for free as long as they don't violate your privacy settings.

5. Live videos and comments

Just like Facebook, Instagram now has live stories. Maybe you've already gotten notifications letting you know that someone you follow "has started a live video" and you should "watch it before it ends!" With these videos, those watching can comment and others will see it live or on a saved version later.

6. Banned hashtags

Contrary to popular belief, Instagram is not pushing or even complacent about negative, harmful or sexually explicit hashtags. They consistently ban hashtags that are offensive or inappropriate. While you should still be aware of what your kids are seeing and reading on Instagram, the app is doing a lot to maintain a clean, safe online environment.

7. Comment block filters

Under the settings tab, you will find an option for "Comments." The great part about this section is the fact that you can block comments from certain people, hide offensive comments automatically, or enable keyword filters which will "hide comments that contain specific words or phrases from your posts."

The point of the matter

Technology is a powerful tool that should be used for good. Don't try to hide your kids from screen time — you don't want them to think it's evil. Teach and show your children how to use technology positively and then let them act for themselves. Using apps such as Instagram gives kids a chance to exercise responsibility and make the right choice.

In the end it comes down to striking a good balance between screen time and family time. Set some ground rules for your family such as "no phones at dinner" or "turn in technology at bedtime." Keep an open dialogue about technology and how to use it for good. Don't leave your kids to navigate this constantly changing world by themselves.

The post 7 things EVERY parent and child needs to know about Instagram’s new changes appeared first on FamilyToday.

So you met a great guy. He's funny, intelligent, cute and your witty banter was off the charts from the beginning. He asked for your number (score!) BUT now you're stuck in texting-land (sigh). If you're wondering how to keep the relationship ball rolling, you've come to the right place. Here's how you can move from texting to dating in nine simple steps:

1. Refer to your last in-person interaction

Start building rapport by talking about that restaurant you both love or the weird thing you joked about. Whatever the connection you made in person, bring it up to start a conversation and to remind him how well you two hit it off.

Example: Hey Brian! I just passed by a taco stand and it made me think of your guacamole story. I've never met someone with as much enthusiasm for Mexican food as I have!

2. Never send a one-word text

Don't ever start by just sending "hey." It's super awkward and the person on the receiving end has no option but to feel obligated to respond with something like, "Hey... what's up?" And think of something more creative and interesting than "ok" or "yup" once the conversation is flowing.

Take it from romance guru, Aziz Ansari: "It seems like a harmless message to send, and I've sent a good number of them in my own dating life. However, seeing it from the other side is eye-opening. When your phone is filled with that stuff, generic messages come off as super dull and lazy. They make the recipient feel like she's not very special or important to you."

3. Timing is everything

Most dating masters will advise you to wait anywhere from 1.25 to 5 times as long as it took him to respond. This can seem petty and I hate playing these games just as much as the next single lady, but you have to play it cool. However, don't wait too long to respond or he will start to think you're not interested or just rude.

4. Respond with the same length or slightly shorter messages

The idea here is similar to steps #3 and #5. You want to make sure he knows you're interested but you don't want to be overwhelming. Have you ever gotten a message that was longer than half the books you read in high school? This overbearing style is too much to handle and will squash any budding relationship. Just give it a little time, practice some patience, and save those novel-like messages for your sister.

5. Maintain a little mystery

Don't be too eager to share everything about yourself before you've even gone out. The chase is what makes it interesting for men. As one Reddit user said, "If you call a cat's attention, it sees you then walks away. If you are busy working on something... and you ignore the cat, it will come over to your work and jump on the table all up in your business." Be the cat-owner in this situation. Find the balance between giving him enough information to keep him interested and wanting to know more.

6. Give him a playful nickname

Once you have some rapport with your boy, start using a cute nickname. Dimples, freckles, his last name (think of Jim when he calls Pam, "Beesly!"), or something else you find adorable and then let them know you think that characteristic is totally cute.

7. Skip the endless banter

Some nice, fun banter keeps things lively, but you can't keep up that fluff forever. Your relationship will fizzle out before it has even begun. Start hinting at things you think would be fun to do together like go-carting, cooking, hiking, etc. and then let him make the plans.

8. Suggest a firm plan

If you've made it this far and he is still not asking you out, it's time to make a move. Don't ask if he wants to hang out sometime. Be clear that it's a date. Ask him if he wants to go to a cooking class with you on Friday at 7 p.m. Most men appreciate specificity and clarity from women.

Bonus rule: if you offer a date and time to do something and he is busy but he offers another date and time, he likes you. If he doesn't offer another time, he's not interested. Move on because you're a great catch and shouldn't waste your time on someone who's not interested in dating you.

9. Get your grammar game in check

Last but certainly not least, always remember to use good spelling and grammar. It actually does matter because it changes how people perceive you, even subconsciously. None of this plz, cuz, totes, 2day, etc. stuff (unless it's an inside joke). "You just come off as less mature and intelligent when you text things like, 'Wanna go see the new Salvador Deli exhibit sum time?'" said Brett and Kate McKay of the Art of Manliness.

Alright, stunner, now that you're equipped with the know-how to move from texting to dating, go out there and make it happen! Be your amazing self, get those sparks flying, and let us know how it goes for you in the comments below.

The post 9 step guide to get him to STOP texting you and FINALLY ask you on a date appeared first on FamilyToday.

When Harvey and Irma Schluter first heard the news, they thought someone was playing a joke on them. But once they realized the recent Hurricanes Harvey and Irma really did share their names, they were astonished by the coincidence.

A hurricane of a couple

Harvey is 104 years old and Irma will be 93 in November. They have lived through the Great Depression and World Wars, remember the first time they saw an airplane, what the weather was like the day President Kennedy was assassinated, and saw Neil Armstrong walk on the moon.

However, even more impressive than the historic events this Spokane couple has lived through, is the loving effect they have had on over one hundred foster children. The Shluters fostered 120 children-in addition to raising two children of their own-since their marriage in 1942, said The Spokesman Review.

Naming a hurricane

What are the odds of a couple and two major hurricanes having the same names? "I don't know how they've done that, to have a Harvey and Irma," said Irma in a phone interview with the New York Times. "I don't know how that worked out."

It's simply because of a list the World Meteorological Organization maintains to name tropical storms. There are six rotating lists with 21 alphabetical names on each list.

The WMO began using names instead of numbers, coordinates and technical terms in the mid-1900's "because names are... easier to remember, makes it easier for the media to report on tropical cyclones, heightens interest in warnings and increases community preparedness."

The last time "Harvey" was used was 2011. But you probably don't remember it because it, like many tropical storms, was not large enough, destructive enough, or costly enough to make the news. However, the 2011 Harvey was followed by the very destructive Hurricane Irene, which was retired after 2011 and replaced by Irma.

"The only time that there is a change in the list is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on a different storm would be inappropriate for reasons of sensitivity," says the WMO.

The Bottom Line: help people

Millions of people are still being affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma but you can send help from wherever you are. As Irma told the New York times, "You just do whatever you think would be best to do. If you can help someone, then help them."

The real-life Harvey and Irma are confident they made it through 75 years of marriage because of two things: "Each one's gotta have love," Harvey said in an interview with WSFA News. "That and faith, says Irma."

And faith and love will help us aid those affected by the devastating 2017 hurricanes.

Donate to relief efforts for Harvey and Irma here.

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Russell and Lily plummeted from pure excitement to complete despair in just a few minutes. Only two weeks before their lives changed, they were in the same hospital in the same place, hearing their unborn child's heartbeat for the first time. It was strong and healthy. But this time, they heard nothing.

"The woman conducting the ultrasound said to us, 'I'm sorry, but it looks like your baby has passed way.' What? That's our reality?" said Russell.

"It's [was] surreal to me. What were we doing when her little heart stopped beating? Were we laughing about how since Lily became pregnant all she's wanted are the gross microwaveable pizzas from the frozen section at the grocery store, or were we editing photos and video together watching Gilmore Girls? Was I standing in the shower looking at the weird shapes on the inside of our Ikea shower curtain?"

Mary and Marcus

Mary and Marcus were pregnant six times, and miscarried three. They have a beautiful family, but they remember the loss and grief they felt with each miscarriage.

"I think some men overlook the simple fact that a miscarriage is a serious loss, and afterward, grieving is mandatory," said Marcus. "Flat out, there's no other way to cope except to grieve."

Hermes and Lauren

Hermes was diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin's lymphoma only three weeks before their wedding, and they knew his chemotherapy treatment would come with temporary infertility. Despite the odds, they got pregnant naturally and shared the news with their close family and friends.

"Everything was going well up until the seven-week mark when the baby seemed a little small for its age. Around week 10, we went in for an ultrasound. We knew the drill - to look for a flicker of a heartbeat. This time, though, neither of us saw it," said Hermes.

"For me, it was terrible, like a punch in the stomach. Lauren started crying immediately, even before the technician could explain that we'd had a miscarriage," said Hermes.

Why don't we talk about miscarriage?

There are many factors that contribute to why no one talks about miscarriage, but there are two main ones.

First, it's difficult to talk about. The mother is left with physical and emotional pain. The father is left with emotional pain and the pain of worrying about his wife.

Marcus explains it well when he said, "A man finds himself in a unique spot. He's often the silent sufferer - the one called upon to support and encourage and comfort. Yet inside he's as equally torn up as his spouse or girlfriend, as unsure of what to do next, as grief-filled, discouraged and aching."

Second, it's surprisingly common. According to the American Pregnancy Association, up to one in four pregnancies will end in miscarriage. Even though it's common, no one really talks about it.

How should a man react to miscarriage?

1. He should grieve

Don't let the idea of "manliness" deter you from spending an appropriate amount of time grieving. What's an appropriate amount of time? That's up to you and your significant other. You will know when your grieving period is over.

2. He should love

Many women feel guilt after miscarriage, but it's not something to feel guilty about. Make sure she knows how much you love her. She shouldn't feel guilty, and she needs to know that you will be with her through it all.

3. He shouldn't apologize

If you told people, don't apologize for sharing good news. If you started baby prep, don't tell yourself you were dumb for it. Marcus Brotherton's mother told him after their miscarriage, "You celebrated the start of a new soul, and you invited the world to celebrate with you. Never apologize for inviting people to see something of wonder and awe and profound beauty."

The Silver Lining

There's no way around it; miscarriage is a painful experience on many levels. But with every one of life's storms, there is good waiting at the end.

Russell and Lily found hope after the miscarriage and an emergency D&C surgery. "Even though these last few days have probably been the most painful days of my life, I'm still optimistic," said Russell.

Mary and Marcus went on to have three miscarriages in six total pregnancies. It wasn't an easy experience for the couple but they say their kids made it worth it.

Hermes and Lauren resolved to keep trying when the time was right, and they were hopeful for another pregnancy. They were recently blessed with this sweet little miracle:

So, look for the flowers that will surely blossom after the rain. Find the faith and hope to keep going - whatever that means for your and your sweetheart. Let this experience make you better and never bitter. Use this hardship to develop even more love for your significant other.

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