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 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 MoreHappy Easter & Book Birthday
Happy Easter! I hope that you are having a restful long weekend. This time of year is special to me for another reason as well… Expecting Sunshine turns 2! I’m a proud book mama to my book baby! Two years ago I published Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing, and Pregnancy After Loss. It was a big heart-job to write, and an adventure to publish, but the book has made a big difference ever since. I am grateful! On May 21st the second edition of Expecting Sunshine will be released! Here’s what readers have in store: What’s new in the Second Edition of Expecting Sunshine: Bonus chapter co-written by the author, Alexis Marie Chute, and her husband, Aaron Chute, through his perspective. A truly valuable reflection on the...
Read MoreResource Round-Up 5: Pregnancy After Loss Support
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. Pregnancy After Loss Support (PALS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and community support resource for women experiencing the confusing and conflicting emotions of grief mixed with joy during the journey through pregnancy after loss. PALS seeks to help expectant mothers celebrate their current pregnancy by choosing hope over fear while still nurturing and honoring the grief over the loss of their deceased child. PALS services include an online magazine, online peer-moderated support...
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