Katie, Hailey, and Denise have been through so much—so much heartbreak. Each journey has been difficult and painful. They’ve made their decisions; and in that sense, each journey is at an end. But now they have to figure out how to live with the choices they’ve made.

I worry for Katie and John. I feel like she pushed her abortion on herself. She’s allowing her guilt to eat her up and force her down a certain path. Clearly, John wanted to go in a different direction. He was willing to forgive and forget. Maybe Katie was right when she said he couldn’t—but he wanted to try, to move on with their lives together. Katie says she is a lucky girl, and she is. I don’t know how many men would forgive her like John did. It troubles me that she doesn’t think she deserves that kind of love. Regardless of their decision about the pregnancy, can their marriage last if Katie isn’t willing (or even able) to accept John’s forgiveness for the infidelity? Will she ever be able to do so?

My heart goes out to Hailey. She made an incredibly tough decision. She decided to go against all of Jason’s logical advice; she decided to make a decision by herself, and she seems to feel good about it. She’s moving on, pursuing her dream of being a nurse. In the interview, it was a pleasure to see her so bright, intelligent, and energetic. But what’s beneath the surface? When she was alone in the car, her loneliness was written all over her face. Although she didn’t do it, I could almost see her reaching out for Jason—but he wasn’t there to take her hand. How long will she be able to take it? I’m glad she’ll be working with Dr. Patterson. He will do everything he can to help her. But will it be enough? Or will the void of Jason’s absence be too much for Hailey to bear? And even though Hailey says he is no longer in the picture, he really is. He is the father of the child she’s carrying. Will he be able to handle that? Will she?

Denise, Denise! You bear so many burdens in your life. Why is it that your choice was overridden, seemingly by blind chance? Some might think it’s for the best, or at least an easier situation – but that clearly isn’t how you feel. This is a sorrow you will carry with you all your life. What can anyone say in the face of such grief? And you can’t stop to grieve, or even think about that, because your children need you. Can anyone help you? Will you let them?

This is my final blog entry on this site. I had planned to talk about what I’ve learned from Bump+, but what I was going to tell you feels superfluous now. All I can say is, I am moved by the stories I’ve seen here, both in the episodes themselves and in the conversations on the site. I am humbled by people’s openness and generosity. I am touched by the love I’ve seen. I hope that this experience, this sharing of the burdens and sorrows of others, does not leave me. I hope Bump+ has indeed changed my heart for good—showed me the importance of listening with a loving ear, of talking to people where they are, no matter how difficult and painful it may be. I hope you will be able to say the same, as well.

On Monday’s finale, the producers will talk about their experience with the series and the conversation Bump+ has begun here on the website. The comment threads will remain open until then, and a new thread will be opened for continuing dialogue. Although I’m signing off here, I’ll still be reading the comments, and maybe even jumping into the conversation from time to time.

Thank you for walking with me, with Denise, Katie, and Hailey, on this journey. Keep talking – and keep listening.

Emily