Faith-Shaped Hole

Earlier this evening, my husband, our daughter Joy, and I were hanging out in the bedroom watching a Christmas movie.  We talked about Faith and how she would be laying right next to Joy in the bed with us if she were here.  It was a very difficult moment.  I know we will always have a Faith-shaped hole in our hearts as long as we live.  Missing Faith makes me realize how much I get caught up in life and get concerned about some things that simply don't matter.  Family matters, friends matter, kindness matters, helping others matters, sharing His love matters.  

For me, reaching out to others about pregnancy/infant/child loss matters very much.  I know that I need to use the Faith-shaped hole in my heart to help others who may be going through such a loss.  Loss is not easy, but having others who have experienced similar makes you know that you are not alone.  I hope to be this help to others experiencing the loss of an infant.  

As we quickly approach the holiday season, I know it is especially difficult for those going through loss.  We found out I was pregnant with Faith the day before Thanksgiving in 2013.  Thanksgiving is forever changed for me, but will always remain a favorite holiday for me.  As I look toward our bright future, I will forever hold my Faith-shaped hole in my heart.

We love and miss you so much baby girl.  XO

Capture Your Grief 2015

Last year I did this project called Capture Your Grief and it helped me tremendously.  October is So, I am doing it again this year.  You can see the details here.  It is 6:38 AM here and the sunrise doesn't happen until 7:22 AM, or so the internet told me... so I have a little while to let my coffee soak in...maybe I'll have a second cup!  

I am really looking forward to using this project to reflect on Faith this month.  I have changed so much since we lost her last April in so many ways.  

Please join me as I walk down this path...

Capture Your Grief - Day 23 - Inspiration

Today's Capture Your Grief prompt is Inspiration.  As strange as it is in only a little over 6 months, Faith has inspired me in so many more ways than I could have ever imagined.  She inspires me every day.  

There are so many ways that Faith has inspired me.  For the sake of time and this post, I am focusing on a couple of ways she has been my inspiration.  

She has inspired me to want to speak out about pregnancy and infant loss in general.  I will most likely focus my speaking out on this specific loss on the complications regarding IC (incompetent cervix) as well as how the LEEP and other cervical procedures effect and/or contribute to IC and loss.

Faith has also inspired me to want to be able to bless people with low cost, yet, high sentimental value keepsakes in honor of a child/children they have lost.  This has lead me to also want to create these kind of keepsakes in honor of other family members, other special people, or for special occasions.

This is a picture of one of the bracelets that I created for myself in honor of Faith.  It has her footprints, as well as her measurements, weight, and date and time of birth.  I really like how it turned out and really enjoy wearing something so special to my heart.  You can see this bracelet and other items I offer here at Faith Melody Memories.  

Of the many emotions and feelings I have had since Faith went to Heaven, Inspiration has been one of the good ones...

...Faith will always inspire me to be a better person and reach out to others...what has been an inspiration for you?