1104 results for author: Ashlee Schmidt


Lianna’s Story

My doctors told me that they would allow me to go two weeks past my due date while I waited for my daughter to come naturally. On the last possible day prior to my scheduled induction, I went into labor at home—yes, finally! We called the doctor and went to the hospital. The contractions were still mild, but my husband rolled me into the hospital in a wheel chair. We were familiar with the hospital. Since I was past 40 weeks, I had already done three non-stress tests and an extra ultrasound there—in fact, one test was just the previous night. The nurses gave us my favorite room, the large corner one. I changed into the gown I had purchased to wear ...

Retreat Testimony {Kellye’s Experience)

As we approach the 2016 Hope Mommies Retreat, we want to share testimonies with you of other Hope Moms’ experiences of past retreats.  We truly believe that this weekend can be an incredible catalyst for healing and renewed hope as you navigate the heartbreaking sorrow of losing a child.  I pray that these words will provide encouragement and insight as you consider attending the upcoming retreat.   Registration for the 2016 Hope Mommies retreat is NOW OPEN! The retreat is February 5-7 in Giddings, Texas. The registration fee is $315 Check out this link for all of the answers to your frequently asked questions and register today! Also, the ...

Erin’s Story

Suspended by, Erin Cushman Hope Mom to Gwendolyn Hope It’s been over five years since my daughter’s birth and death. Five years – it is true that time can be an agent of healing. Time can so accustom your heart and mind to a despicable reality that you can say it without blinking, without feeling the weight of your words: “It’s been over five years since my daughter’s birth and death.” And while I am in the habit of telling my story, especially as I explain the ministry that was birthed from it all, I can never meet the eyes of strangers as I relate the brevity and reality of my firstborn. Something inherent – the ...

12 Days of Christmas {Thank You Donors}

It was such an honor for us to run the 12 Days of Christmas giveaways for you over the past two weeks. We could not have pulled this off without the generosity of so many individuals who graciously donated their time, talents, and products for these giveaways.  We wanted to make sure to call attention to each of the shop owners we had the pleasure of partnering with during this series! ... Currently residing in the Pacific Northwest while my husband serves in the US Navy. I create unique all-occasion gifts and keepsakes made from antique and vintage flatware. I love connecting with my customers! ? Etsy Shop  Facebook H...

12 Days of Christmas {Retreat Testimony}

As we approach the 2016 Hope Mommies Retreat, we want to share a testimony with you of another Hope Mom's experience of the 2015 retreat.  We truly believe that this weekend can be an incredible catalyst for healing and renewed hope as you navigate the heartbreaking sorrow of losing a child.  I pray that these words from Hope Mom, Samantha Morgan, will provide encouragement and insight as you consider attending the upcoming retreat.   The retreat is February 5-7 in Giddings, Texas. The registration fee is $315, but today we are giving away a retreat scholarship as the last giveaway in our 12 Days of Christmas series.  Check ...

12 Days of Christmas {Giveaway}

Hope Mommies is excited to offer you 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways this holiday season! As a Hope Mom or Dad, the holidays always seems to be one of the hardest seasons of loss to walk through. Your baby’s absence is so obvious and substantial.  It is difficult to enjoy the merriment and festivities of the holidays when your heart aches from missing your child and you are constantly reminded of the absence of someone so dear to you.  It is also challenging to know how best to honor and remember your baby in the midst of the holiday season. We also recognize that many of us are surrounded by friends and family who long to show us ...

12 Days of Christmas {Not Forgotten}

"This week, three and a half years after we said hello and goodbye to Ella, a friend sent me a small package.  Inside was a note that said "remembering your precious child with you this holiday season" And there, wrapped in tissue paper, was a small wooden Christmas ornament with Ella's name and birth date burned into it.   I wanted to sit down right were I was and just stare at this piece with her name on it.  This gift was precious to me for so many reasons.  First, there are very few times I will ever get to see Ella's name in print.  She won't have her name on coloring pictures or school work.  I won't be filling out ...

12 Days of Christmas {Retreat Testimony}

Hope Mommies is excited to offer you 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways this holiday season! Our final giveaway, which will run on December 12, will be a full scholarship to the Hope Mommies 2016 Weekend Retreat.  We truly believe that this weekend can be an incredible catalyst for healing and renewed hope as you navigate the heartbreaking sorrow of losing a child.  The retreat is February 5-7  2016 in Giddings, Texas.  Registration for the retreat is $315. Check out this link for answers to any questions you may have concerning this retreat. Below is a testimony from someone who attended the Hope Mommies 2015 Weekend ...

12 Days of Christmas {Giveaway}

Hope Mommies is excited to offer you 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways this holiday season! As a Hope Mom or Dad, the holidays always seems to be one of the hardest seasons of loss to walk through. Your baby’s absence is so obvious and substantial.  It is difficult to enjoy the merriment and festivities of the holidays when your heart aches from missing your child and you are constantly reminded of the absence of someone so dear to you.  It is also challenging to know how best to honor and remember your baby in the midst of the holiday season. We also recognize that many of us are surrounded by friends and family who long to show us ...

12 Days of Christmas {Remembering Your Baby}

"As a Hope Mom or Dad, the first round of holidays is always the worst. Their absence is tangible to you, and you wonder how you can eat and be merry while your heart is bleeding out. It's always difficult to know how to honor your baby in the holiday season - do you put up a stocking? Do you take a family photo -- with our without a special item or photograph of them? Do you talk about him or her? My story is by no means the "ideal" -- all grief journeys are unique, just as each Hope Baby and family are unique.  But I want to share what my husband and I do to honor our Gwenny in special ways during this season: 1) Pumpkins are a visible ...