Speech from the Baby Steps Walk to Remember
Last weekend was the Baby Steps Memorial Walk to Remember. It was a really great way to kick off Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. I gave a speech that is very close to my heart. I spoke about the death of a child like being lost in the wilderness. For me, my son Zachary has become like Polaris, the North Star, who helps guide me out of the confusing and scary place. It is always tremendously special to be able to talk about my first son and to hear his name. Within my household, we talk about Zachary all the time, but to be in the company of others who don’t find that weird or uncomfortable is truly a blessing. It was so nice to have my Mom and Step-father and my husband’s parents join us. I don’t typically ask family and friends to attend these sorts...
Read MoreBaby Steps Memorial Walk this Sunday
This Sunday, October 4, 2015, is the Baby Steps Memorial Walk in Edmonton, Alberta. I am honoured to share my reflections on this life after loss in the keynote speech. I was not able to speak at the Walk in August, as planned, because of a scary finding in my current pregnancy. If you want to read about my experience, you can click here. Feeling much more optimistic, I am looking forward to connecting with the special community of those in and around Edmonton this Sunday. There are so many who have been through the death of a child and yet are so open, welcoming and compassionate. It is an incredible group of individuals. I would encourage you, if you have lost a child, please consider attending the Baby Steps Walk or another event in your area. It truly makes a...
Read MoreWhat does Fatherhood Really Mean?
Today is International Bereaved Father’s Day – and I find myself asking: What does fatherhood really mean? The British dictionary defines “Fatherhood” as: the state or responsibility of being a father. Or do we relate more to this definition of what a “Father” is: a man who exercises paternal care over other persons; paternal protector or provider. Everyone’s experience of fatherhood is largely based on personal, lived experience. Therefore, fatherhood will likely look different to everyone. Still, it is easy to imagine a man: Rocking his child to sleep. Teaching the little boy or girl how to kick a soccer ball. Wrestling in the living room. Helping with math homework. Staying awake till the daughter comes home from a date. Instructing his son how to drive....
Read MoreStruggling & How to Help
Having a baby after losing a baby is hard. Then you add a complication to the pregnancy and everything spirals. To be honest, I am struggling right now. What has happened in the last five days: I had my 20 week ultrasound last Tuesday. That night, our doctor called and said there may be something wrong with my baby’s heart and that it could be an indicator of a larger problem. I was making dinner at the time. The torrent of emotions nearly knocked me off my feet. I wept so hard both nostrils started bleeding. There was blood on my clothing and on my three-year-old son who ran to comfort me. Though I was making a new recipe that night, both Aaron and I lost our appetites after the call. At the same time, our instinctual coping mechanisms kicked-in. All I wanted...
Read MoreBereaved Dads Needed for Documentary
My team and I are still diligently working away at our first documentary, Brave New Normal: Five Mothers Break the Silence on Baby Loss. I am always planning for the future and am setting the groundwork down to make the sequel: Five Fathers Break the Silence on Baby Loss. Bereaved Dads Needed for Documentary If you or someone you know is a bereaved father, please consider being a part of this project. You can email me to get in touch: info@alexismariechute.com Here is the trailer for Brave New Normal: Five Mothers Break the Silence on Baby Loss. BRAVE NEW NORMAL: Five Mothers Break the Silence on Baby Loss Click here to view the trailer on YouTube. Hugs Alexis Marie Chute Here are other posts on the topic of documentaries: Brave New Normal, View the Trailer...
Read MoreBaby Steps Memorial Walk: Dates
Save the Dates for the two upcoming Baby Steps Memorial Walks. This year there are two locations, and I am honoured to give the keynote speech at both. Here are the details: SHERWOOD PARK, ALBERTA: Sunday, August 30th, 2015 Festival Place Peace Park 100 Festival Way, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 5T2 – And – EDMONTON, ALBERTA: Sunday, October 4, 2015 Rundle Park 2909 113 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5W 0P3 Mission of the events: “A special time to recognize all our babies who have died during pregnancy or anytime after birth. Walk with us to remember, with love, the precious moments of your little one’s life.” Click here to visit the Baby Steps Memorial Walk website. Learn more about the Walks by clicking here. There will be a teddy bear donation at the...
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