Why I Don’t Like the Term “Rainbow Baby”
I first heard the term “rainbow baby” following the loss of my first child due to miscarriage in January 2016. At the time it seemed like a fitting, if not a little too cheesy, name for what I hoped would follow our devastating loss. But now, several months out from the birth and subsequent death of my “rainbow” son, Max, I’m not a fan of the phrase.
Rainbows connote hope after the storm; a beautiful, heavenly light appearing out of the darkness. More importantly, rainbows carry the weight of God’s promise; they are God’s sign that He would never ...
Attuned to Love When Light Seems Hidden
In this series, "Grieve to the Gospel"—we invite you to share with us together in the truths of the good news of Christ. We can tune our grief to the tones, notes, and chords we hear in it. We will still certainly grieve, but welcoming the gospel into our minds, hearts, and experience will help us to understand what the Bible means when it communicates that there is a uniquely Christian way to grieve (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
In the days after my daughter went to heaven, one of my prayers was, “Lord, I know and believe that You ...
Jennifer’s Story
“My story is not over.” This phrase keeps coming back to mind as I try to find adequate words to honor God through the loss of our sweet Hayden. God is not yet done with me. I don’t know what God has planned for my future, but I do know that He is sovereign and His purpose for my life is far better than anything I could ever plan on my own.
In early November 2016, we found out that we were expecting our fifth child. We were a little surprised because we hadn’t been trying, but we quickly embraced God’s little blessing. I called my midwife; she scheduled my ...
From the Beginning, Jesus’ Death Was No Surprise
In this series, "Grieve to the Gospel"—we invite you to share with us together in the truths of the good news of Christ. We can tune our grief to the notes and tones we hear in it. We will still certainly grieve, but welcoming the gospel into our minds, hearts, and experience will help us to understand what the Bible means when it communicates that there is a uniquely Christian way to grieve (1 Thess. 4:13).
Death laying over those we love is not a welcomed sight; I despised the way it looked on my daughter; the motionless, ...
Ana Leigh’s Story
My story is hard to tell because it holds a lot of regret. When I learned I was pregnant with my little Elizabeth Morgan, my first reaction was, No! I have two beautiful, young, crazy children and I was not planning to have another child. In fact, my husband and I had already made arrangements to make sure that we were done. I had finally felt at peace with the decision and was sure that I was ready to move forward in life. A child would have changed everything. Well, God had bigger plans for me.
When I saw a positive pregnancy test, I shut down completely. I ...
Testimony Tuesday: Cuddle Cot in Honor of Hope Babies
I wanted to do something big for my triplets’ 5th birthday. My husband and I decided we wanted to fundraise for a Cuddle CotTM. A Cuddle Cot is a cooling device used to preserve a body while parents say goodbye to their baby in the hospital. Having more time with the baby is a precious gift for parents grieving after stillbirths and neonatal deaths—making the most of those last moments they will spend together here.
Cuddle Cots in Honor of My Niece, My Triplets, and Hope Mommies
We started the campaign in August of 2014. I imagined a year was a good amount of time to ...
I See You
To the mama whose arms are empty this Mother’s Day–
I see you. I see your pain. I see your emptiness. I see your grief. I see your longing. But mostly, I see your love.
I know this is a hard day. A day that reminds us of what should have been and isn't. Or what once was but no longer is. This day acutely reminds us of how very broken this world is.
I don’t know your story or your specific loss, but I do know your hurt. I don’t know if you’ve lost a child to miscarriage, still birth, infant death, or sickness. Or maybe your child is still living but for ...
Aimee’s Story
On December 29, 2011 our world was forever changed in a blink of an eye! This is our story, this is us, and this is our hope!
My husband and I have been blessed with three beautiful, healthy girls, and we were beyond elated when we found out we were expecting again. After having three healthy pregnancies, I instantly knew something wasn't right when the ultrasound tech took a deep breath and sat on my bed.
I uttered the dreaded words, "Is the baby okay?" and was so scared for the answer; her reply shocked me.
She said, “I am going to be honest; I have never seen ...
Elizabeth’s Story
Jordan Emmanuel & Jonathan Patrick: The Bruffey Family Story of Loss & Hope
Need. A word that has earned a deeper significance in my family. I grew up knowing what I wanted. I was a dreamer who wanted to travel, learn sign language, be a wife, and be a mother. From the time I was a young girl, I dreamed of having a home overflowing with children. That was what I wanted. On September 30, 2016, my husband and I were delighted to learn that God had sent us a fourth child! However, His plan for that life on earth was brief. Just eight days later, we lost our ...
Testimony Tuesday {Lindsey’s Experience}
It was what would’ve been Dasah’s two-month birthday but instead of taking cute photos of her I was standing at her gravesite for the first time since we buried her. It was a beautiful day and somehow as I was driving that day I found myself turning at the road that goes into the cemetery instead of just driving by as I usually do. Whenever anyone says they’ve just “found themselves” somewhere I’ve always thought they must be a little crazy. Who just “finds themselves” somewhere? Well, that day I became that crazy person.
I think of turning every time ...
