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 MoreExpecting Sunshine 2nd Edition + Fun Giveaway!
My memoir, Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing, and Pregnancy After Loss, will be released in its Second Edition on May 21. This book has made a wonderful difference in the lives of many families and their communities. Here is a letter from one reader: I just finished your beautiful book “Expecting Sunshine” and felt compelled to reach out and say thank you. A few days after I found out I miscarried, a few days before my D&C, I went to Barnes & Noble in hopes of finding a guidebook or self-help book of how to heal and cope with miscarriage or loss of a child. I searched every feasible location: self-help, psychology, family planning, childcare. With tears in my eyes I was too embarrassed to ask anyone at the counter for help. There I was...
Read MoreMarch: Pregnancy After Loss Awareness Month
Truly, we don’t need another awareness month. For anyone pregnant again after loss, it is a daily journey – and one that lasts for nine long months. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the heightened recognition for the joys and fears of loss moms and dads who continue to grow their family. I have been there. It is not easy. For me, those pregnancies were some of the most challenging times of my life. March Pregnancy After Loss Awareness Month I am grateful to have been interviewed for the Monica & Andy blog. Here is the article by Kristen Dold: Grieving One Child While Expecting Another: A Rainbow Baby Story After losing her newborn son Zachary in the hospital, Alexis Marie Chute entered what she calls her ‘year of distraction’—an attempt...
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...
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