October 2015
Here we are again, another October in which Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness will flood my mind, mouth, and Facebook page.
This October, I have 2 children I remember and honor.
This year, we will be using the words "I Break The Silence" on our t-shirts for our candlelight ceremony on October 15th. You may see things this month, or even other times, that say "I am 1 in 4". The statistic is that 1 in 4 women will have a pregnancy or infant loss.
This month, if you are someone who has experienced a pregnancy loss, or you know someone who has, please look into local events for October 15th. Sometimes, there are events on other days held by other Angel Moms or hospitals or other organizations.
If you know someone who has experienced a pregnancy or infant loss, and you want to do something for them, I will include a few organizations in which you can financially donate in memory of that child. Make sure you use the child's name if the parent/s did name the child. If they did not, you can let them know that you donated in memory of their baby. Please do not just say "Sorry for your loss" when you are doing a donation. Also, you could write the parent/s a letter, send them a message, mail them a card. In your writing, mention their child's name. When a parent has a child, that parent tries their best to protect their child. When a parent has a loss, those who are ready, protect their child's memory. We love to hear and see our boys' names! We just bought an ornament for Gabriel to hang on our tree. I learned that my neighbor who made Riley and Nehemiah's stockings will be making one for Gabriel. The times that I have read Riley's names on paper were so precious to me. I won't get to write it or see it as often as I will Nehemiah's so every little mention is blessing to me.
Also, you could send a letter or card to the grandparents, aunts/uncles, siblings of the lost baby/infant as well. Many parents I have spoken with after their loss ask me if it is normal to console their friends and family more than they are being consoled. It is normal. I think God gives us the peace when we need it so in those moments we can help be strength for our friends/family.
Organizations to donate to or ideas for gifts:
1. Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep - this wonderful organization sends photographers to the hospital, if the baby was at least 21 weeks in utero, to take photos at no charge.
2. Molly Bears - this beautiful gesture is a bear made with symbols to remember the child at the weight the child was when he/she was lost. There is a minimal fee to pay to be put on a list and you can only join the list on the 30th of each month. And, only the mother may sign up if I remember correctly. But they make and mail the bears off of donations after that. I am currently on the waiting list.
3. NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program - this fantastic organization turns wedding gowns into free gowns for photos and burial services for lost babies. They work off of financial donations as well as donations of wedding dresses and volunteer seamstresses (which they need more of, if I ready correctly).
4. Mail a copy of "Empty Cradle, Broken Heart" to me and I will give it to my friend collecting them to give to local hospitals. Or mail a copy to a mom who has had a loss, even if the loss was 20 years ago. Put a note on the inside "In memory of .....". Or, take some to your local hospital.
5. Get on Etsy or shop for a candle with the child's name on it. Give it to the parent or grandparents to light at 7pm on October 15th, or whenever they want to.
6. Get on the website, october15th.com, go the the "Shop Our Store" tab and buy something for the parent/s.
7. Give a necklace or bracelet with the child's name on it.
There are lots of other organizations and groups you can donate to. You can always ask the parent/s too how they would like their child to be remembered.
