Hera McLeod

My son’s unmarked grave

Today I went to my son’s grave for the first time since I buried him. I don’t know what I was expecting to feel, but I certainly wasn’t prepared for what I experienced. As I stepped out of the car and walked toward the unmarked grave, my heart sank and I was brought back…

The Lost Child Club

This post is dedicated to the parents who lost their babies in Newtown, Connecticut today. 18 babies died in their classroom at Sandy Hook Elementary School when a gunman deliberately came into their classroom and murdered these innocent children. Rest in peace baby boys and baby girls. My Prince is waiting for you in heaven…

Screaming at the top of my lungs

Today I spent most of my day on a plane traveling. Looking out at the clouds, my thoughts were a reflection of how my mind is racing in a million directions. I wondered how my son was doing in heaven, if he was mad at me for not fighting hard enough to protect him, whether…

Prince’s Lessons – The important things in life

Prince always helped me put things into perspective. He went through life holding onto important people and enjoying all of the new things he was learning. He was independent (or tried to be when I would let him), intelligent, and happy. He reminded me of a little old man trapped in a toddler’s body. Here are some of…

Surviving My Way

This week I feel like my body is crashing. My mind is racing all the time, and I cannot look at anything without thinking about Prince – and wishing he could be with me continuing to experience life. Many people have asked how I have been surviving – how I can get out of bed…

Every Single Day – and for the rest of my life…

The Associated Press came out with an article involving my son’s case this morning. Several news outlets appeared to have picked it up within minutes of it being posted. It appears that the story has gone national. When I read the article, I actually felt like it was Christmas and my birthday at one time.…

Pain is Pain: Not Worse – Not Better…Just Different

Today I went to brunch with an old friend/coworker. We hadn’t seen each other in years so this is the first time she has seen me “post relationship with a psychopath”. She had worked with me when I used to be a teacher, so she knew how passionate I have always been about advocating for…

50 Shades of Sanctioned Domestic Violence – A Society in Trouble

Every time I tell my story, I risk extreme judgement from people who try to wrap their minds around the ridiculousness. While I have received an overwhelming amount of support from friends, family, and even complete strangers, there is still too often the person who needs to “explain” what about ME put me in this…

Hijacking the Discourse

When Prince was a couple of months old, I took him to the beach for the first time. My dramatic exit from Luc’s house had just happened a little over a month earlier and I was still in a bit of shock. I went from being engaged to a man I “thought” I loved (I…

I am – Prince’s Mama

Since the beginning of this nightmare, I have heard a lot about bravery and strength. I have thought a lot about what these two words really mean to me. A lot of people have been wondering how it is that I am able to keep talking about this and why I haven’t just walked away…