This summer, I was accepted to be a contributing writer for Still Standing Magazine. Today was the day that my very first piece ran. Honestly, I felt pretty exposed and vulnerable when I saw it in “print”. But, I’m hopeful that it will reach other parents that need to see it. My goal has always been to be honest in my grief. I never ever imagined that I’d have additional grief beyond Breelyn’s death but alas, we have. And we’re doing our best to love and honor our living and non-living children. I share my pain so that others realize that it’s ok to mourn a loss forever- you’ve lost a person. But, it’s also ok to have moments of laughter and joy. Your life has continued, and it’s ok to live it with as many smiles as you can.
Month: August 2017
A trunk full of blankets- 108!!
The outpouring of blankets has been positively amazing!! I’d placed 75 blankets with local hospitals and then I stalled in progress. I couldn’t seem to connect with hospitals. I had something that would help their mourning parents but it just wasn’t happening… And then I realized that, since Breelyn died, I’d been receiving regular supportive communication from the Center for Infant and Child Loss (http://www.infantandchildloss.org/). They provide counseling and support to families who have lost a child.
And so I reached out. Response- Yes!! We’d love to help!! Such a relief from me- now I can concentrate on making blankets and inspiring others to do the same. The Center for Infant and Child Loss already has contact with many hospitals so they are going to handle the blanket placement!!
I met with their leader, LaToya Bates, and handed off 108 blankets!! This makes our total 183. Be sure to check out our Facebook page for pictures of all of the blankets. They really are lovely. And thank you so much for your support of this project! It really is inspiring and I’m really very touched.