Resource Round-Up 3: Loved Baby Book
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. Loved Baby: 31 Devotions Helping You Grieve and Cherish Your Child After Pregnancy Loss is the bestselling, award-winning devotional full of compassion and help for hurting souls. Real talk about ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and stillbirth Christ-filled comfort Tips to reconnect with yourself and your partner Knowledge that your child is in heaven Strategies to walk through grief Ways to memorialize your loss Whether your loss is recent or not, Loved Baby can be your companion as you...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 2: Hazel’s Heroes
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. Hazel’s Heroes are proud to offer weekend retreats for mothers who have lost a young child. Nestled in the quiet peace of the Rocky Mountains, grieving mothers can come together and focus on parenting the children who are no longer in their arms, but who will remain forever in their hearts. Hazel’s Heroes’ mission is to provide hope and understanding to all who attend. Our retreats provide a safe and supportive environment for mothers to heal a piece of their broken hearts, to honor their...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 1: Carry You With Me
There are so many amazing and compassionate resources out there for bereaved families after their losses and as the 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. BOOK: Carry You With Me, picture book by Alanna Knobben Carry You With Me is a heartfelt story of a mother’s love, loss, healing and hope. Whimsical illustrations are brought to life with deeply rooted words and symbols. Together we remember the great loves we have lost and cherish all the ways we carry them with us forever. After the loss of her son, Marshall James, mother Alanna turned to paper and pen in her grieving and healing process. Letters to her son soon evolved into the writing of...
Read MoreInternational Bereaved Mother’s Day: Honoring our Birth Stories
Today we celebrate International Bereaved Mother’s Day. We honor precious children that have died and their Mothers whose love and bravery are to be respected and commended. The loss of a child is one of the most painful experiences a person can endure. At the same time, speaking for myself, I would never erase my pain. It is evidence of love. It speaks to the short but meaningful life of my first son, Zachary. Yes, my memories are tinged with sadness, but more so they are shrouded with love. Do you notice my theme here? LOVE Love is what binds us. Love sustains us. Love is the answer to the heart’s longings. Love is what keeps our loved ones alive. My Mom is a wise lady. I respect and admire her, as much as we butt heads many days. Mom always tells...
Read MoreGrief on Christmas Day: 5 Ways to Cope
First of all: Merry Christmas! However, maybe “Bah, humbug,” may be more appropriate. Grief is hard in the holiday season – and Christmas day may be a nagging reminder of who you have lost. For me, Christmas time is a reminder that my second child, Zachary, was supposed to be a Christmas baby. His original due date was just a few days before Christmas. Around this time, about eight years ago when I was early in my pregnancy with Zach, I remember wondering: Will I be late and deliver a baby on Christmas eve or day? I wasn’t sure if I wanted to avoid or aim for those dates. Will my son one day complain he doesn’t get enough presents because his birthday is so close to Christmas? Will the roads be slippery and I have to deliver in the...
Read MoreLife is truly precious
Today I welcome Carolyn and Adrian Aarnoutse here on Wanted Chosen Planned. As Carolyn shares her story of meeting and losing her son, Willem, I felt like I was with her, remembering my own loss and reliving those emotions. I honor the bravery of Carolyn and Adrian in opening up their heartache to us, and also I join with them in celebrating their precious baby Willem and his important life. Here is Willem’s story: I wake up every morning with the feeling that a part of me is missing; my heart is heavy and feels broken. We felt so blessed and proud to have five healthy and perfect children. Our sweet Willem came into this world with one fast push; a healthy 6lbs 5oz boy. His three sisters and one brother loved him dearly. Often, I would see them carrying...
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