Capture Your Grief. Day 31.

Capture Your Grief. Day 31. Sunset.

 

That's the funny thing about grief...  It has a definite beginning.  You can certainly, although it's faint, remember before...and then it happened.  YOUR "thing" - your grief bringer...it happened and now, no matter how hard you try....  It won't end.  It doesn't have an ending.  It may change & you may grow, but it's always there.  Like a scar or a limp.  Reminding you...reminding the world... 

You survived.

Capture Your Grief Days 14-20

Capture Your Grief.  Day 14. Dark/Light

Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. -MLK

Capture Your Grief. Day 15. Community.

 The community of bereaved parents is not a place I ever imagined I would land. No one thinks that it will be them. No one expects a loss. Let alone two, back to back. We have lived through hell and come out gasping for breath. The community of, & support from, others who have walked these roads has been so inspirational. Not one of us is ever alone & there is comfort in knowing that...

Capture Your Grief. Day 16. Retreat.

"(being) an active member in our community (babyloss moms) and belong(ing) to one or more support groups, caring for others as well as yourself can be very emotionally draining. We find ourselves helping to carry others grief too. Take today to be kind and gentle with your own heart. Do what makes you feel good...By looking after yourself first you become a more mentally strong person and therefore you are much better help to others."

Capture Your Grief.  Day 17.  Explore.

 Through reading I have been able to explore the depths of my grief. I have found more hope, some sorrow and a deeper understanding of my heart's ache!! Exploring your grief helps in finding your way further down the path of healing.

Capture Your Grief. Day 18.  Gratitude.

 #eucharisteo  choosing thankfulness.

"How do I give up resentment for gratitude, gnawing anger for spilling joy? Self-focus for God-communion.  To fully live—to live full of grace and joy and all that is beauty eternal. It is possible, wildly.  I now see and testify.  So this story— my story .  A dare to an emptier, fuller life.” 

~ A.V.

Capture Your Grief. Day 19. Give.

This blog started as my healing journal. 

My hoping journal.  And, has transformed into my giving journal.

Capture Your Grief. Day 20. Breathe.

"So often we as bereaved parents find ourselves feeling overwhelmed by our grief and we don’t notice it, but we are holding our breath. When you start adding things like anxiety, anger and frustration to your grief you can end up feeling crippled by your emotions. This affects so many areas and relationships in your life. One way to help alleviate this overwhelming surge of emotions is to turn your attention to your breath. 

Simply step outside into some fresh air and focus on breathing in and out."

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What is "Capture Your Grief"?  Read about it here.

Or, just join in the photo project by following these prompts:

 

 

Remember

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated October as Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month – an action that launched the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Movement. Although over a quarter century has passed, this issue remains prevalent as, each year, approximately a million pregnancies in the United States end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of the newborn child.
Did you know that:

• One in four pregnancies ends in the loss of a baby
• The loss of a child is recognized as the most intense cause of grief
• Parents never "get over" the loss of a child – no matter the age
• Parents experiencing grief without supportive care can have debilitating consequences such as PTSD, depression and anxiety that could further result in job loss, divorce, difficulties in daily living, or impediments with parenting of living children 

Wave of Light Celebration:October 15, 2014 is a universal day of remembrance for pregnancy loss and infant death. This day is observed with remembrance ceremonies and candle-lighting vigils, concluding with the International Wave of Light worldwide lighting of candles at 7 p.m. 

Capture Your Grief. Days 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12

Capture Your Grief.  Day 8.  Resource.

 

I found hope & strength through this site. Sharing my grief and learning that we were not alone in our losses. ‪#‎community‬ -though not the community I would have chosen, 

it's a community that helps & heals. ‪

Capture Your Grief. Day 9. In Memory.

 

Noah has his own little block on this necklace now too. It is probably my most prized piece of jewelry. People ask me about it when they see it & I get another chance to spread the word about my boys' lives and about the love of Jesus and the hope that comes just when you think there is absolutely none left. ‪#‎mamalovesyou‬ 

Capture Your Grief. Day 10.  Support.

 

This guy.  My ‪#‎husband‬. My friend.

My rock when it seemed impossible. A steady hand when when I could not balance out. A soft place to land when all of life was so hard.  He is ‪#‎brave‬ & courageous. Love you. Mean it.

Capture Your Grief. Day 11. Altar.

 

A place of remembrance. A place to call to mind all that The Lord has done. In our bedroom there are three shelves. One for Rowan, one for Levi Matthew, and one for Noah.  We do not forget how The Lord proved Himself merciful & gracious. We do not forget the days our lives were changed for eternity. We share our losses & our miracles to tell of His great love.

Capture Your Grief. Day 12.  Music.

 Music seems to be a universal language.  Expressing emotions and thoughts that we sometimes cannot identify by just speaking words.  Music can take you deep into the raw parts of your heart that you otherwise could not get to.  Music captures grief and joy and love so perfectly. This song, "I Will Praise You In This Storm" was on repeat for so long in our home.  I just knew that if I kept saying 'amen', just kept my hope in HIM that I would see another sunny day.  You can listen here.

"I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

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Do you have a grief story to share?  Consider practicing by following the photo prompts from Capture Your Grief (see below) and read more about the project ---> here!

 

Capture Your Grief - Days 5, 6 & 7

Okay, okay - so I can't seem to get on here everyday & blog my pics nice & neat & one at the time.  Well, here is my grouping for days 5, 6 & 7.

Capture Your Grief. Day 5. Journal.

 

 A safe place to express feelings, dreams & fears. A reference to look back & see where &

how The Lord has moved. #whathealsyourheart

Capture Your Grief. Day 6.  Books. 

Books to heal. Books offering hope. Books to make sense of mind boggling medical issues. 

Books to stir your faith. Books to teach you things. Books!!! Lovely books. #whathealsyourheart

Capture Your Grief. Day 7. Sacred Place.

 

  Our bed. We made babies here. We lost babies here. I spent months of bed rest here. I prayed here. Cried here. Wanted to die here. Waited to live from this place. Lost myself & found grace here. This is a sacred place. A place of refuge. A place of rest. #whathealsyourheart

What is Capture Your Grief?  Read more here. 

And join in the photo project by following these prompts:

Capture Your Grief - 2014. Days 2-4

We were on a camping trip w/o cell reception, so I was unable to post in a timely manner, however, here are my catch ups.  :)

Day 2.
Heart

Capture Your Grief. Day 2. Heart. #captureyourgrief #whathealsyourheart #day2 The heart can hold so much more than we think possible. More joy. More love. And, more pain. The Lord truly heals the hearts of those who seek Him. He is ever close to the brokenhearted.

Day 3.
Before

 Capture Your Grief. Day 3. Before. #captureyourgrief #whathealsyourheart Before the loss of a child. Before the ache of empty arms. Before the miraculous birth of a living babe. Before pink lines, fertility meds, bed rest, & surgeries. Before death. Before grave sites. Before empty.

Day 4.
Now

Want to join in the #healing process?  Visit here or just blog based on the prompts below: