Jay
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Remembering Jay
Today is Mother’s Day. I first want to say Happy Mother’s to all mother’s, whether your child is with you here on Earth or above in Heaven. They are always in our hearts, even if they only stayed for a little while. The March of Dimes Walk was about a month ago, but unfortunately was canceled due to some bad storms that went through the area. They do not reschedule this event. I was pretty bummed about it being cancelled because it’s our way to honor Jay every year. I couldn’t stop thinking about the question I hear many loss mother’s ask, “How should I honor my baby?” This was…
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March of Dimes
It’s almost time for the March of Dimes walk. This will be our 7th year walking in the March of Dimes. We started walking for our close friends who lost their sweet angel full term. At the time we started walking with them, we ourselves, thought that a loss like that was so very rare. Our hearts went out to them. We didn’t know what to say, but we walked. We supported. In hindsight, we could have done so much more but we didn’t know. The 3rd year that we walked in the March of Dimes, I was actually pregnant with Jay. We were very early and did not say…
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Chandy’s Creation Stacking Rings
This ring is so near and dear to my heart! I purchased this for my self last Christmas. I had been looking for something that I could wear, besides my bracelet, that would honor Jay, Joshua, and Michaela. I already have several necklaces that are special to me and that I wear often. My Pandora bracelet is worn everyday, so I didn’t want another bracelet. I’m very simple when it comes to my jewelry. I feel that minimalist is best. I started looking at rings and found this beauty. I found Chandy’s Creation on Etsy. She did a wonderful job and I think they turned out great. I love the look…
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Life Happens
I am beyond grateful for the number of subscribers I have received over the last month. Thank you so much for joining Love Pray Jay. I have been absent for several months because life happens. We have been in the process of moving to a new place, starting new jobs, and buying a new house. Everything is a process and takes time. Where we currently live, we do not have internet. This makes blogging hard. I have been using my instagram page to connect with everyone. Thank you for following Love Pray Jay. I hope to be blogging again by the start of the new year. Have a wonderful day!
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Bereaved Parents Awareness Month
I just learned that July is Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. The purpose of this month is to bring awareness to bereaved parents. Child loss occurs during pregnancy, soon after birth, within the first few years, during childhood, and adulthood. Anytime a parent loses a child, no matter the age, it’s devastating. No parent has a child expecting them to pass before they do. Parents expect to go before their children. Unless a parent is made aware of complications or concerns before hand, loss of a child is a shock. Often times people do not know what to say to a parent who has lost a child, so they remain silent. Talk…
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Returning to Work After a Loss
When I lost Jay, I took three weeks off from work. I didn’t know how to cope with the loss, much less return to the classroom and teach. Everyone at school was so supportive. They brought food over everyday, sent cards, and messages with their condolences. My Assistant Principal contacted me about sending out a letter to the parents regarding my loss. The parents and students all knew I was pregnant, although I had just started in a new school district. I met them all at Meet the Teacher night, very big and 21 weeks pregnant. I do not know what the letter said, but it was sent out to…
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Why me?
Have you ever found yourself asking, “Why me?” I have a million times since losing Jay! It’s hard to make sense of the fact that God would allow you to become pregnant with a baby, but then take it away. I believe I am a good Christian. I believe in God. I believe that many who have gone before me are watching over me in heaven and taking care of my sweet Jay. I can see my grandmother rocking him to sleep and telling him all about the camping trips she took us on! I can see Sadie running around, playing with Jay. I see my grandpa teaching Jay how…
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Happy Father’s Day to All Fathers!
Happy Father’s Day to all of the father’s out there! I know how infant loss can affect mothers, because I am a mother who has lost her child. I am not so sure how infant loss affects fathers, I’ve never felt loss in their shoes. My husband was very strong for me. I have only seen him cry a handful of times in the 18 years we’ve known each other. One of those times was when we lost Jay and a few times in the months that followed. He was heartbroken, but I could tell he also felt he needed to be strong for our family. I hope all fathers…
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Wedding Dresses for Angel Babies
If you are looking to donate your wedding dress to a special cause, consider donating to The Wrapped in Love Project. A good friend of mine asked me if I knew of a place where she could donate her wedding dress; specifically, a place that would make outfits for babies who have passed. I really hadn’t thought about that much. I started doing some research and found Charlotte’s Purpose. You can send your wedding dress to them and they will make angel baby gowns and pockets for infants who pass before, during, or after pregnancy. I was honored when my friend decided to donate her dress in honor of Jay. …
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11 Books for Grieving Mothers
I’ll Hold You in Heaven: Healing and Hope for the Parent Who has Lost a Child through Miscarriage, Stillbirth, Abortion or Early Infant Death by Jack W. Hayford Jack Hayford is founding pastor of The Church on the Way. He uses scripture and refers to God often in this book to show that we will hold our children in heaven one day. I enjoyed this book and how it helped me think of God, even in the darkest of times. Grieving the Child I Never Knew by Kathe Wunnenberg Kathe Wunnenberg wrote this from her own personal experience. She had three miscarriages and a stillbirth herself, so the pain of loss…
