International 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 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 MoreResource Round-Up 3: Loved Baby Book
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. Loved Baby: 31 Devotions Helping You Grieve and Cherish Your Child After Pregnancy Loss is the bestselling, award-winning devotional full of compassion and help for hurting souls. Real talk about ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and stillbirth Christ-filled comfort Tips to reconnect with yourself and your partner Knowledge that your child is in heaven Strategies to walk through grief Ways to memorialize your loss Whether your loss is recent or not, Loved Baby can be your companion as you...
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...
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