The Powerful Lesson I Learned from NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ Funeral Speech — And How It Changed My View on Parenthood

Have you ever witnessed a moment so raw and honest it leaves you thinking about life and parenthood in a completely new way? That was me this week when I watched New York City Mayor Eric Adams speak at the funeral of fallen NYPD Officer Didarul Islam. The weight of his words, especially his reflections on meeting the officer’s grieving father — parents forced to bury their children — struck me deeply.

You can watch the full speech here, but be warned: it’s a powerful, heart-wrenching moment that stays with you.

Why does this matter for those of us on the journey to becoming parents?

Whether you're trying to conceive naturally, using at-home insemination kits, or exploring other fertility options, the path is filled with so many emotions — hope, fear, joy, grief, and sometimes heartbreak. Hearing Mayor Adams share his empathy for a father’s pain was a stark reminder of how precious and fragile parenthood truly is.

It made me think: How often do we take for granted the simple blessing of holding a child, or even the chance to try to become parents?

The emotional rollercoaster of fertility isn’t talked about enough

If you’ve ever struggled with infertility or are using tools like home insemination kits, you already know this journey isn’t just physical — it’s deeply emotional. There’s anxiety with every cycle, excitement with every positive sign, and then, sometimes, crushing disappointment.

What Mayor Adams’ speech underscored was the resilience parents show, whether they’ve lost children or are fighting to bring one into the world. It reminded me that behind every success story are moments of pain and vulnerability that often go unseen.

How at-home insemination kits can empower you emotionally and physically

One of the beautiful things about options like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits is the control and comfort they offer. For many, the idea of undergoing invasive procedures or facing clinic appointments is daunting.

MakeAMom, for example, offers specialized kits like CryoBaby for frozen sperm, Impregnator for low motility sperm, and BabyMaker for those with sensitivities such as vaginismus. These tools are reusable and discreet, shipped plain to protect your privacy, and they come at a fraction of the cost of clinical insemination. That means you get more than just a product — you get options that can help reduce anxiety and increase your confidence during your fertility journey.

And with an average success rate of 67%, these kits aren’t just hopeful; they’re effective.

Facing the fear of loss and embracing hope

Mayor Adams’ speech brought me back to a core truth: parenting — and the journey to parenthood — is unpredictable. It’s messy, emotional, and sometimes heartbreaking. But it’s also filled with the potential for incredible joy.

So if you’re here, wrestling with uncertainty or fear, I want you to remember that your feelings are valid. It’s OK to feel overwhelmed.

But it’s equally important to embrace hope. To remind yourself that there are resources, communities, and tools designed to support you every step of the way — like those you can find through MakeAMom’s carefully designed insemination kits, created to help people like you build the family they dream of, with dignity and care.

What’s your emotional take on the journey to parenthood?

I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re just starting out, deep in your fertility journey, or have experienced loss, your story matters. How do you cope with the emotional ups and downs? What gives you hope?

Let’s create a space where we can share honestly — because none of us are alone in this.


To sum up: Mayor Adams’ words reminded me that every parent’s path is unique and often fraught with challenges we seldom discuss openly. The mix of sorrow and hope he captured reminds us to cherish the gift of family however it comes to us. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, there are compassionate, effective options to guide you along that path — quietly, affordably, and with your comfort at heart.

What’s the biggest emotional hurdle you’ve faced on your journey? Share your thoughts below. Let’s support each other through the highs and lows, together.

Author

Marcus Taylor

I’m Marcus, a proud dad, LGBTQ+ family advocate, and former nurse with a passion for reproductive wellness. After navigating the world of at-home insemination with my husband, I dedicated myself to making information accessible for every family. When I’m not researching kits and sharing stories, I enjoy biking and photography.