Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
It’s October 15 and International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. It’s an important time to acknowledge our grief, honor our baby that died, and choose hope amidst our storm. My son Zachary passed away nine years ago. My husband and I reflected that it still feels like yesterday. I remember the details of our loss so vividly. I probably always will. What surprised me when we celebrated Zachary’s birthday, which was yesterday (October 14), was that the anger of our early years after our loss was not there as strongly. The love remains. And the longing. But the anger… not so much. I have learned that the love never dies. No matter what. Time changes the grief, and helps it, but the love is what heals and brings hope. I will...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 12: Wanted Chosen Planned
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. Today’s round-up is a little different! Today I want to share with you a little more about Wanted, Chosen, Planned: Life After the Loss of A Child. This is my blog and resource hot-spot for bereaved families to find support. If you know someone who has lost a child and needs support, please share Wanted, Chosen, Planned with them. Wanted, Chosen, Planned is the online journal of bereaved mom and author-artist, Alexis Marie Chute. Since the death of her son Zachary, Alexis has shared...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 11: Expecting Sunshine
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. Today, I am honored to share resources that are very close to my heart! My memoir and documentary film, Expecting Sunshine. www.ExpectingSunshine.com BOOK “I just finished your beautiful book “Expecting Sunshine” and felt compelled to reach out and say thank you. A few days after I found out I miscarried, a few days before my D&C, I went to Barnes & Noble in hopes of finding a guidebook or self-help book of how to heal and cope with miscarriage or loss of a child. I searched...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 8: SIDS Calgary
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. SIDS Calgary Society (SCS)is a non-profit volunteer organization that offers support to families whose infant or young child has died suddenly and unexpectedly. We advocate for the interests of these families, provide education to health care professionals and the public, and support research to better understand sudden infant and childhood death. SCS offers a variety of activities and supports to families affected by SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in...
Read MoreInternational Bereaved Mother’s Day
Today is International Bereaved Mother’s Day. It is a hard day for me. I am joyful, because I have this amazing opportunity to celebrate my son Zachary, who died eight years ago, BUT I am also bulldozed by sadness. I miss him. The day he was born feels like yesterday – and also a lifetime ago. I wish he was here. I doubt I will ever stop wishing this. Over spring break a few months ago, my family visited Disneyland for a couple days. As we drove to LA, we chatted as a family about our excitement. Then I said, “I wish Zachary was with us to have this fun experience.” Then the waterworks erupted. My husband, Aaron, put a loving hand on my knee as he drove. I cried big fat tears. International Bereaved Mother’s Day is another...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 7: Return To Zero: HOPE
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as they become pregnant again. In this resource round-up, I will share some of the books, retreats, organizations and other supports that I feel are doing amazing work. Return to Zero: HOPE is a nonprofit organization that developed as a result of the positive impact of the film, RETURN TO ZERO. In 2014, Sean and Kiley, founders of the nonprofit, shared their personal tragedy and made this film in the belief that it would help to shatter the stigma and silence associated with stillbirth. RTZ HOPE has carried the film’s mission forward, engaging a global community of bereaved parents and their health providers to improve mental health outcomes, while also...
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