Baby 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 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...
Read MoreBaby Steps Memorial Walk 2014 – Photos and Speech
This past weekend was a special time for many families as they gathered to celebrate the little babies they miss and love so much. The event was the 2014 Baby Steps Baby Loss Memorial Walk. I was honoured to be a part of it. Here are some of the highlights of the Walk in photographs – and also a video of my speech. There were lots of little kids present so the video is quite noisy, but I’m glad all those little munchkins were there! Just a little reminder, coming up next week is the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day celebrated on October 15 every year. I have been partnering with Canadian magazine Today’s Parent to discuss loss and on the 15th we will be opening up this discussion. Today’s Parent will be launching some interesting articles and features....
Read MoreLosing Control, Finding Control
Today I am speaking at the second annual Baby Steps Memorial Walk. It is very special to gather together within a supportive community to celebrate our dearly loved children. My speech is about the idea of control – losing it and finding it. Here are some thoughts I will be sharing: “After my son Zachary died four years ago this month, the loss of control I experienced was all encompassing and one of the most debilitating aspects of my grief that held me in a state of sadness for so long. Have you experienced this as well?” “The loss of control can be scary; it puts us in a position of surrender and vulnerability. Giving up control forces us to accept the mysterious parts of life that will alter our course – without our consent....
Read MoreAutumn Baby Loss Memorial Events
Why attend a memorial event? You can remember and celebrate your child. You can be vulnerable and open with your emotions in a non-judgemental environment. You can find community in the presence of others who have also lost a child. You can create mementos and keepsakes. You can find support and resources to help you along the journey of grief. For a list of baby walks and events, please visit the Resources page. Here are a few updates of memorial events for my home city of Edmonton: Walk to Remember, Edmonton This event is not happening in 2014. It is unclear from the website if this is a one-year hiatus or if the event has concluded permanently. Baby Steps Memorial Walk Also, find Baby Steps on Facebook. Date: Saturday, October 4, 2014 Time: 2pm Click...
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