The Insta account of Chantal Bles

And why May finds it so grand

I used to struggle with it: posts from deceased fathers or mothers on Facebook. I even wrote about it. A person has an opinion, after all. I believe I found such news too heavy for the fleeting nature of the stage.

But nothing is more changeable than a person and nothing is more pliable than an opinion. Because in the meantime, I have changed my mind. I like it when I hear from people I have lost sight of in daily life how they are really doing. And sad news is part of that. I have also shared things in times of headwinds. With bated breath, I watched the reactions and the likes. Ah. They knew it now too. And she did as well. My story was out in the world. And what turned out? Sharing is multiplying. Here too. The warm reactions lifted me up and made me feel safe.

A week or so ago, RTL Boulevard announced that Jada, Chantal Bles' daughter, is seriously ill. The management of Chantal and Robert Doornbos confirmed it. Further, it was quiet. Understandable. You process heavy grief alone at first. But last week, there was a message. From Chantal. She shared their news, her concern, and the path to be taken. The result: nearly 5000 reactions full of hearts and warmth. A comfort for Chantal, but also for other mothers with a sick child. Knowing that you are not alone can be so intensely important.

Chantal did not stop there. She shared a photo of her heavily pregnant belly and her beautiful, sick girl. Thursday was the big day. Jada was operated on. That photo, I cry immediately when I think of it. Chantal with a surgical cap on, her little Jada with a now thin head of hair firmly in her arms. In the background, the decorated doors of the operating room where in cheerful children's letters ‘Welcome to the OR’ was written. This photo must have been shared so many times in WhatsApp groups. So many tears must have been shed over this photo. After the operation, Chantal kept us updated via Insta Stories. The operation went well, there was still a long, tough road ahead, but the most important first step had been taken.

I scrolled through and saw a message from Ellemieke Herman-Vermolen. She posted a photo of her family and wrote about how she deals with the grief of losing baby Josha. ‘Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we’re here we should dance,’ was her message.

May I thank you for your honesty and comfort? And shall we all light candles today for dear Jada and brave Chantal?

Images by Chantal Bles and Robert Doornbos