It's been quiet around here lately, especially with posts related to my journey in grief. In fact, I have stopped and started so many posts that I have a huge collection of drafts. I have found that the words do not pour out of me like they did so early on. Sometimes I wish they would. In some ways I wish a piece of that raw grief would return. That may be hard for you to understand, but that raw grief is what let me feel Emma's presence so strongly. Now she feels so far away. Like another lifetime, and as if I was another person. It feels like forgetting and that is oh so hard. Sometimes I think I let this happen. That remembering and feeling is too hard, so I don't. It's moments like this that I am so strongly reminded that grieving the loss of a child is a life long journey. Some days it feels like I am in a constant battle with grief. It has changed it's shape but it still haunts me.
In a few weeks I will be participating as part of a parent panel at a Perinatal Bereavement Conference. The conference attendees will be professionals such as doctors, nurses, doulas, and social workers. The purpose of the panel is for participants to share what worked and what didn't before, during, and after the loss of their child. I am so nervous and afraid for this experience, but I know that it is something I need to do. I need to speak up, to share my story, and to help the mother that will be in my shoes have the best care possible. This is a chance for me and Emma to make a difference in someone's life. It almost feels like a chance to answer a calling. I ask for you to send me your well wishes and prayers. I will be sure to share my experience here after the conference. Sending you love and light. xo
Proud to know you and so so grateful you are using your voice and experience to love and help so many others. <3
ReplyDeleteSarah - I, too, have a long collection of unpublished posts on my blog. The words either just don't come like they used to, or I feel like I've said it a million times.
ReplyDeleteI am sending you lots of positive thoughts and good luck for you on your panel at the conference. It is such a wonderful opportunity to share Emma's story. It will certainly help to make a difference for future families that have to endure this experience. I look forward to hearing how it goes. <3
You will be awesome! You & Emma have a purpose. Your story will surely give comfort, love & hope to a Momma who will be suffering the most agonizing grief.
ReplyDeleteIt is a calling and one that I believe will continue to nag at you like "The Hound of Heaven", a poem written by the English poet Francis Thompson in the late 1700's. Some day you will give in to the calling because it is part of who you are meant to be. In the meantime, all these things that you do in Emma's memory honor her, you, Britt and Lilah; the other parents who know your grief and all of us who have the privilege of being part of your life.
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