Healing Workshops, Update
I am pleased to announce that I will be presenting “Healing through the Written Word” and “Healing through Visual Art” at The 2014 International Conference on Stillbirth, SIDS and Baby Survival. Here is the conference information: Date: September 18 – 21, 2014 Location: Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) Amsterdam, The Netherlands To register, click here. To see other conferences where I will be speaking, please visit Public Speaking & Teaching on Wanted Chosen Planned. If you or your organization would like to arrange a workshop or presentation, please email info@alexismariechute.com or phone 780-499-4311. Media bookings can also be made with Gal Friday Publicity at rachel@gal-fridaypublicity.com or by calling 604-366-7846....
Read MoreBleeding Hearts
I received a lovely email the other day from my mother-in-law. This is what she said: Hi Alexis Marie, I was out in my garden today, and the tulip I planted in Zachary’s honor after ‘Walk To Remember’ a couple years ago is in full bloom. But this year it is coming up with a shrub I had planted last year and it is in bloom at the same time. The name of the shrub – Bleeding Heart. Very special to me, and I know it would be to you as well. Love, Mom The bleeding heart. What a perfect picture of the grieving parent. For a long time I felt the jagged edges of what I could only describe as a broken heart but recently I was reading a book that used other symbolism to represent parental bereavement. Such symbols included a tea pot and a cracked nut, both able to hold...
Read MoreRemembering our Losses, May Memorial in Edmonton
If you are looking for a place to celebrate your child in the presence of others who share your experience, there is a lovely Edmonton event called, “Remembering Our Losses.” I will be speaking at this event and reflecting on living with an “Open hand.” Put on by Alberta Health Services & Covenant Health Pregnancy & Infant Loss Program, this event takes place on Sunday, May 25 at 1:00 pm at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes. There will be a graveside ceremony following the memorial. Click the image above to see a larger version. If you attend this event, please find me and say hello. I’d like to meet you. I believe we are stronger together. If you have a baby loss event that you would like me to share, please...
Read MoreReturn to Zero
Have you heard about Return to Zero? Tomorrow, Saturday May 17, the film Return to Zero will have its world television premier (Sunday May 18 in the UK). The movie is a true story of love, loss and hope. Minnie Driver and Paul Adelstein play a couple who have a stillborn child and face their ‘new normal’ afterwards. When I watched the trailer, I couldn’t help but weep. I am so proud of this movie, and the anthology Three Minus One that I’m published in. I am passionate about dispelling the taboo around child loss that hinders couples from healthy grief in a supportive community. It is wonderful that couples and families that have been through loss can band together to support one another and commit to beautiful projects like Return to Zero and Three Minus...
Read MoreThe Meaning in a Name
When names are chosen with purpose and meaning, I get goosebumps. It’s like bestowing on a person the mantle of their destiny. I remember my mom telling me the meaning of my name when I was little: Alexis, helper and defender of mankind. I’ve never forgotten that. As a kid, I took the meaning of my name very seriously, like a responsibility and one I was proud to fulfill. I stood up for bullied kids and have always loved helping people. My daughter’s name, Hannah, means favor and grace. After my husband Aaron and I discovered that our second child would not live, in hopes of a miracle we chose his name. Zachary, remembered by God. It broke my heart at the time of my son’s death, ‘Had God forgotten my child?’ I’ve come to understand that there are many things I...
Read MoreBreakfast Television Tomorrow
In anticipation of International Bereaved Mother’s Day, I will be talking to Ryan Jespersen tomorrow morning on Breakfast Television on City TV in Edmonton. My segment will air at 8:30am. Please tune in for more info about the event and how you can join in the...
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