Kind Words for Wanted, Chosen, Planned

It was wonderful to receive word this week that Wanted, Chosen, Planned was nominated for The Yeggies. You may be wondering, ‘What on earth is a Yeggie?”

Short answer, The Yeggies are an Edmonton (YEG) New Media Award which honours local content creators.

Wanted, Chosen, Planned was nominated in the “Best in Family or Parenting” category. While even just the nomination is a huge blessing, the comments left by nominators were really what got me.

My greatest hope is for my writing and speaking to be an encouragement to others who have lost a child. I want my experience of loss and journey navigating this ‘new normal’ to help others along the way. For me, to hear that my readers are connecting with my words is the greatest reward.

Here are some of the comments:

*****

“She speaks so well to such a difficult subject in many people’s lives. Her willingness to treat her life like an open book allows others to feel more comfortable and supported with the loss that they have had to deal with. The subject of child loss is almost taboo and Alexis Marie is able to create a feeling of acceptance and support so easily.”

*****

“Truly some of the most heartfelt, sincere, thought provoking and raw writing. This blog touches on a subject that is more common than most of us know, but is not acknowledged, or talked about–and we certainly don’t know how to approach someone that has undergone such a profound loss. It is one of those strange human experiences that one simply does not understand unless one goes through it. This blog not only gives those of us who have not lost a child a very profound glimpse into a unique and misunderstood grief–but it opens our hearts and prepares us to be there for the people in our lives who may suffer this tragic loss…or God forbid our own experience.”

*****

“Alexis has been on an incredibly, unimaginably hard journey. This blog shares her thoughts, feelings and experiences as she carries on her journey. She is open, honest, raw, and vulnerable in this blog and I think she shows much strength as she shares.”

*****

“It’s not easy to put into word how you feel with a loss of a child. Everyone deals differently, but in the end you are left feeling empty. Alexis does a really great job describing those emotions. Very well written. Nobody wants to feel the pain, but if ever you are faced with it, it’s nice to know you are not alone or plain old CRAZY.”

*****

“Alexis Marie is an artist, photographer and writer. Most important, she is the mother of three beautiful children – Hannah, Zachary and Eden. Zachary passed away shortly after he was born. Wanted Chosen  Planned is Alexis Marie’s journey of this experience. Her blog speaks to many parents that have lost a baby and how to continue their relationship with their precious baby. One of Alexis Marie’s original writings is used to educate nurses in all of Edmonton hospitals on how to support a family following a loss. This letter often brings the staff to tears and helps them to understand the huge impact they can have on a family. At the Annual May Memorial – Remembering Our Losses –  Alexis Marie read a piece entitled Love That Is Worth It All. This year’s Walk To Remember (www.walktoremember.ca) had the honour of having Alexis Marie be the key note speaker to close to 1200 participants and I have heard such wonderful comments from the attendants. Alexis Marie puts words to the experience of losing a baby for many families. Please consider this nomination for a Yeggie for Wanted Chosen Planned.” – Patti Walker RN, BN  Regional Bereavement Coordinator Lois Hole Hospital for Women

*****

“Alexis’s often tear-producing blog is a poignant, in depth look into the soul of a person who has experienced such loss. She is such an inspiration to families everywhere regarding overcoming sorrow, rediscovering joy in life and endeavouring to help others struggling with loss of a child.

No one knows the unique and devastating loss of a child better than a mother. Those of us who are mothers but have not experienced this loss are both lucky in not having had this loss, but also challenged as we know not the depth of a mothers grief nor how best to help with the healing and rebuilding process. In sharing her grief, Alexis is helping all of us, as well as herself in learning what the healing process involves. Most important of all, she always leaves us with a positive word or thought that provides thoughtful inspiration long after the reading of her blog.

She speaks of such difficult topics that are close to her heart in order to be a mentor to those who suffer from the same tragedies. She is caring, and dedicated to enriching the lives of others.” 

*****