October 2021 PAIL Awareness
I have had a really rough last few days, just because life, ya know?
But we have made it to October, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. A time to NOT be silent…A time to remind the world about all of the babies that have gone too soon. (And as you all know, I don't limit myself to just October.) To recognize the grief of bereaved parents. And to show extra support for those bereaved parents. To educate anyone and everyone in hopes of preventing others from these life-changing and traumatic tragedies. And to normalize the awkward, uncomfortable conversations, or lack of conversations about our angel babies.
It isn't talked about because it is weird to talk about the death of a baby. It is uncomfortable to talk about the death of a baby. It is too heart-wrenching to talk about the death of a baby. You don't want to over-step boundaries to ask all about someone's beloved child. But please do! We want to tell you about them! Once you join this club of loss (and I hope you never do), you learn about so many unexpected people in your life that have been through this emotional pain and just want to share.
And think about it...1 in 4 join this group of grief. That is A LOT!
I personally want my baby to be known. He may not be able to grow up here on earth and become a teacher or a doctor or a cowboy or a famous celebrity. (By the way…my motherly hopes and dreams would have preferred some type of scientist.) But I can use his story to teach and still make a difference. To write these dorky posts every week and get anxiety to post them so that our family can hopefully save another child, or family.
Last year, I received a number of pictures and videos of candles, that had been lit by many of you for the International Wave of Light (see below). It was so heartwarming. I encourage you to do this again! This year I would love to send all of the pictures that I receive to one of our infant loss Facebook groups to show all of the families how much extra support they have too!
I have a few other ideas listed below…And don't worry, they are mostly all free...and they are safe options that will not put you in COVID-19 danger :)
Another helpful way to show support and spread awareness via social media, is to add a frame to your profile picture for this month.
Steps to add a frame..
Log in to your Facebook page and choose to edit your profile picture.
Choose the option to "add a frame"
In the search bar, search "Infant Loss"
There are a number of cute options, so add one to your profile for the month!
Perform an Act of Kindness, and let me know!
Share some of the social media graphics or videos from the StarLegacyFoundation…Educate, Educate, Educate! https://starlegacyfoundation.org/awareness-month/
Purchase a pin or two here.... https://forms.gle/fWrVcbKPQqgzmsSK7
...in honor of Franklin and all of the lovely little "Forever" babies out there looking down upon us. Speaking of pins... the first shipment is going out today! So be on the lookout if you have already ordered! And don't worry if you haven't ordered yet! You can anytime :)
Have a lovely October!
