Giving a Gift to Someone Who Lost a Baby

This week we remembered little Hosanna and her mom who was so kind to share her story with us and help us get a glimpse of what it is like to lose a baby so little. Today we look at a few gifts that can be sent to those who are grieving the loss of their child.


This book Little Footprints written by Dorothy Ferguson makes a truly wonderful gift for the grieving parents. This special memory book is made for parents with a stillborn child or who have experienced a newborn death. This special booklet preserves tiny keepsakes and memories. Photos and keepsakes can be kept inside the pockets.


The book Where's Jess is a perfect book to give to a family who has older children. They are sure to be experiencing their own grief at the loss of a sibling. This beautifully illustrated book will help them to have a better understanding of death.

Together these books will be a treasured thoughtful gift to a family who is grieving their loss.

The birth of Hosanna from Pinkpeas

My friend shared this story with me from her midwife. It is her hope that through her story people may begin to understand those who have gone through a miscarriage. I know for me it has really touched my heart to hear the details so that I may in turn comfort another in time. Because of the length of this post, I will attach the link to her blog here.

I am grateful to Maggie for sharing her story so that we may be able to offer sympathy and not shy away from those who have experience the death of unborn child, or newborn. It shows us, that even if you do not feel you have any comforting words to offer, your kind acts can give so much comfort.

Thank you Maggie, for sharing little Hosanna with us.

http://pinkpeas.com/content/hosanna

Thinking of Others

You know the saying; until you've walked in my shoes don't judge me? Have you ever considered that everyone has a story. Even those beautifully made up women in the store at 5am while your standing there in your pajamas, slippers and a hat on, have a story. Just the other day a dear friend of mine was shopping in the underwear section. Did you realize it can be almost impossible to pick out underwear when your stress level is to the max? My friend had just learned her brother was going to be put on kidney dialysis. While she is surrounded with friends and family who are there to help her out during this time her emotions are still running high. She doesn't know why she was in the underwear section at that very moment but she was. Standing next to her was another lady with the seemingly same issue. Picking out underwear. While my friend made a comment about just giving up trying to find the right kind, this lady responded, "I can't give up, I just checked my brother into the hospital. His kidneys are failing." Amazed at what just took place my friend Lisa introduced herself. Out of her mouth poured encouragement, understanding and a sympathy no one else could share with this stranger at that moment.
My point is this. We all have burdens, heartaches and joys. You may not understand someones pushy way in the store, or their apparent lack of awareness around them. I myself have been guilty of judging those who seem to only lookout for themselves, or seem to have no thought of anyone else around them. Did I ever consider their hearts may be so full of grief they are walking and doing without thinking? Instead of feeling we should pay back insult for insult, or rudeness for rudeness, let us try on the hat of patience, understand and sympathy. We have not walked a mile in everyone shoes, and the lady who seemingly is rude and huffy, may be at Walmart trying to find some clothes to change into because her life is in upheaval.

The Hope Room

While cancer has not touched my life has it has many people I know, my heart was touched by this simple outreach here in town. The Hope Room. Here cancer patients can come in and get wigs, scarves, hand made colorful turbans and books. It is all donated and free to any cancer patient. This simple act of kindness is inspiring. I can not imagine the strength it takes to come to terms with cancer and the treatment it requires. Let alone trying to finance medical bills and medications. The Hope Room is the perfect name. When everything has a cost, The Hope Room gives you back a little bit of hope that all is not lost. Volunteers give of their time to support and comfort those who are at a loss. What a blessing to families that are going through the trials of cancer.

Blankets of Love

One year the kids and I read about a program called Blanket of Love. It was a non-profit organization that collected gently used blankets and shipped them to Sudan. Hundreds of thousands of blankets have made it into the arms of many who had nothing but a thin rag to cover themselves at night. My children almost instantly began gathering all the blankets that were not in use at that exact moment. I was worried that maybe we would give too many, that we may need some of those blankets for ourselves. When my children reminded me that each of our beds no only had a sheet, a blanket and a comforter, I realized they really were showing compassion. My eyes flooded with tears as we boxed up a huge box of blankets that will still in very good shape and kept the older ones for ourselves. Their idea, not mine. They were not going to wait even one day. It was off to the post office with our huge box of blankets. It was such a small price to pay to send these blankets to a U.S address where they would bag them up to be airlifted.
It's been four years and we still have more blankets then we use. While I'm not sure if Blankets of Love is still in operation, I know my local shelter could benefit from the donation as well.

Reality of Hunger

This past week we were able to experience one families deep need for food. This was a large family with 4 children who, like many in our nation, have run across hard times. This family is perfectly normal from the outside. Their children are so well mannered, dressed in nice clothing, happy and healthy. However, when you stepped into their kitchen one thing lacked. Food. They have benefited from the local gleaners, who deliver day old bread from the stores, veggies and fruit that may not be perfect but still edible and local food pantries. While this family had not asked for help, it was evident they needed it.

If you can take the time, donate to your local food pantry. I know many of us don't have much, but grabbing an extra bag of rice, or a few extra cans of veggies on sale at the store and donating them has a much bigger impact than we imagine sometimes. Just because a family is well put together, does not mean they are not struggling. If you know a neighbor or friend who needs a little help, consider making your own food basket and taking it to them. If your not sure what to buy, consider a gift card to your local supermarket.

Volunteering your time at your local pantry may give you just the push you need to step up your own donations. Realizing how many people out there are down right now will encourage you to give just a little more this time.

Secret Valentines

There are many reasons to look forward to Valentines Day. Kids love giving cards to their classmates and the class parties that cut into the school day. Young lovers, enjoy giving gifts and cards that express their deep desires. Couples enjoy a night out together over a romantic dinner. Parents tuck valentine notes into their kids lunches or coat pockets. For many, Valentines is more than just chocolate, but a day to really show your appreciation for the one you spend your days and nights with.

For some, Valentines is another day that triggers heart ache. Those who have lost a loved one, friend or family member are the hardest hit. Single people who long to find someone special can feel saddened when love abounds in the air.

A wonderful way to take the sting out of being single, whether by choice or by chance, is to take this day and do something secretive and special for someone you know who may also be having an equally hard time. Send some roses signed, "from a friend who thinks your the best" or "thinking of you today". An elderly woman who has lost her spouse will be touched by the jester and it will help to brighten your day too knowing you were that secret someone who cared.