This is a place for sharing. This is a place for families. This is a place inspired by a mother's love.
Summer is winding down and I'm gearing up for a new school year. Yesterday, I sat down to finish my mailing for my new Kindergarten students. I worked my way through the list, personalizing each letter with my student's name (I feel like it adds a little extra love when you put pen to paper…
I hear it at least once a week--usually from a meme on social media. Someone joking that "at least I kept the kids alive." While other moms might scroll by with a giggle and barely a second thought--I cringe. I could go my whole life without ever having to hear or read those words again.…
Continue reading ➞ Congrats On Keeping The Kids Alive–I’m The Mom Who Couldn’t
I remember when I announced my pregnancy and you said, "Congratulations Mama." I remember when my bump started showing and you squealed, "You look so good, Mama!" I remember at my baby shower when you asked, "Are you ready for this Mama?" And then, I had to tell you that my baby died. You told…
Continue reading ➞ Even Though My Baby Died, You Can Still Call Me ‘Mama’
When my daughter was stillborn, I found myself exhausted. Her death had drained me and left me very little emotional strength to deal with anything or anyone else. I wanted support without any engagement, but that seemed like a lot to ask for. There were few people who would simply let me unload. Most people…
Continue reading ➞ Know Your Circle–Using Ring Theory To Support Those Grieving
All that remains of my daughter, Dorothy, rests on my desk. Nestled in between a stack of journals and my pencil cup of felt tip pens, there is a tiny ceramic urn adorned with a floral pattern in purple and ivory. I wish I could give a poignant reason for her being there. But, the…
Continue reading ➞ All That Remains–Why I Haven’t Laid My Daughter To Rest
I’ve just revealed my story. I’m a bereaved parent. I’ve lost my baby. She died. After the awkward silence settles in and divides us, you mumble something about how you didn’t know. My heart goes out to you. How could you know? There is no mark to distinguish me as a bereaved parent; I look…
Even if you have a loved one who has experienced the loss of a child, you may not know that July is Bereaved Parents Months. In the loss community there will be opportunities for bereaved parents to share and connect with other parents of loss. But what you might notice is that even with all…
Years ago, I received a phone call from a former co-worker, telling me that a student I knew had been hit by a car and died. She was just about to turn 6 years old. I was devastated by this news. She was such a spunky and sweet girl who I had nicknamed Ramona, because…
Continue reading ➞ Now I’m Them–When You Realize What It’s Like To Be The Grieving Parent