In 2001, David Hlavsa and his wife, Lisa Holtby, lost their first son, James, at 20 weeks gestation. In 2007, this loss inspired David’s first essay, “My First Son, A Pure Memory,” which was featured in the “Modern Love” column of the The New York Times.

 He later penned the critically-acclaimed memoir, “Walking Distance: Pilgrimage, Parenthood, Grief, and Home Repairs,” which chronicles David and Lisa’s journey through the Camino de Santiago, infertility, losing James, and, in 2002, the arrival of the couples’ second son, Benjamin.

 With no rituals for bereavement, how do parents honor the loss of unborn children? How did one marriage thrive in the face of a loss that divides most? Arian explores these questions and more in this compelling interview with award-winning author, teacher, actor, and director David Hlavsa.

Family photo taken by: Brand New Soul Photography