Table of Contents Mother's Day & Father's Day You Are The Best Mom! His Spirit Subsequent Births After Loss Birthday Tributes In God's Loving Hands Rose In The Cradle Attention Pastors & Counselors In Loving Memory Resources

Mother's Day & Father's Day  Mother's Day & Father's Day “For the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers are springing up and the time of the singing of birds has come. Yes, spring is here (Song of Songs 2:11-12).” Springtime is perhaps the most favorable time of year for most people. Just as Solomon so eloquently described, the flowers are blooming, the grass is turning green, and the chorus of birds fill the air. While many are admiring the magnificence of God’s beauty, some of you who have recently begun your journey of grief may wish the harshness of winter would stay and the symbolism of new life would never come. I know it can be difficult to appreciate the newly-formed life of the outdoors when the little life that was in your womb is gone. Not only does Spring produce the splendor of the outside, it also brings us two holidays that can be extremely difficult to face: Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. While these two special Sundays have previously been a happy occasion of honoring the two people who brought us into the world, it has now turned into days of sorrow and sadness for some grieving parents. You may be wondering how you are going to endure these days with the blissfulness that will be all around and maybe even wonder how you “fit in” to these two commemorative holidays. We always tell families who attend our share groups, “you have to do what’s best for you” - and that includes Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. If you don’t feel you can continue with your family’s tradition of Sunday brunch with the entire family, then don’t. If you think you can only bear being alone with your spouse that day, that’s fine. During grief, you have permission to break every custom and ease back into routine at your own pace. Regardless of how you choose to spend these two days, the most important thing to remember is, you are a parent! You have every right to be honored on these days - and you should be. I hope that although May 9 and June 20 will be bittersweet, you take the time to acknowledge your parentage and be proud that you too are a Mother or a Father! Rebekah Mitchell

You Are The Best Mom!

On the days that I become overwhelmed in grief it has helped me to
remember that I am still a good Mother, even though my little bundle of
joy is not living here on earth. I gave my child more love than I ever
knew I could give. I held him in my arms only to feel his spirit
returned to the One who gave him life. I trusted in My Lord to take him
into His care because I knew that only He could give him paradise. I was
willing to give my own life in exchange for his. I was the only Mother
that God had selected for my son. I
carried him in my womb knowing miracles of life are not guaranteed... I
took that chance.

I mourned uncontrollably for the loss of my precious baby. I gave him
a name. I buried his little body in the ground. I have pushed on in
life with that empty space still in my heart. I keep his memory alive by
continuing to remind others that he was here but now he is gone. I am
still proud that I conceived him, gave birth to him and he was so
beautiful. I said hello and good-bye to him and told him how sorry I was
to let him go. I will always cherish him.

Everything I did for my son makes me a good Mother...I did not fail!!!
Other Mothers too...should hold their heads high...stay
proud...remember...

you are the BEST MOM!!!

Sincerely,
Jody's Mom

Written by Kim Taylor
of Stover, MO

In loving memory of
Joseph “Jody” Arthur Taylor III .
Jody was born and died on May 31, 1985
due to Potter’s Syndrome
(Bilateral Renal Agenesis)

His Spirit
by Cyndy Estep

Just when I thought I was doing ok
It comes crashing down on me once more.
The sorrow, the tears are flowing again.
The fears and frustrations come up from my core.

They flood into my mind, overtake all thought.
It scares me to think they will never go away.
Please God, help me through this time right now,
Never leave my side, I need help day by day.

I feel His Spirit enter in to my heart,
The fears ease up, frustrations they leave.
He is here with me now, right by my side,
He will help me as my heart continues to grieve.

Reprinted with permission from Cyndy Estep, 
Precious Children Remembered,
Voices of Longing, Voices of Hope, Vol. II. 

To order a copy of this poetry collection, please contact
Precious Children Remembered at
P.O. Box 534, Huron, OH 44839 

or 

http://www.accnorwalk.com/~mom2nich/

Subsequent Births After Loss

---

Julianne & Terry Johnston
and their daughter, Mackenzie,
of Cedar Falls, Iowa
lovingly welcome
Adeline Star,
who was born on March 22, 1999.
She weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz.
and measured 20 1/2” long.
They remember with love
their daughter,
Adrianna Haywood,
April 25, 1998,
who died due to
Bilateral Renal Agenesis.

Joan & Mike Farrell
and their children,
Shane, Ian & Riley,
of Wellington, Florida
announce the birth of
Riley Kathryn,
born March 18, 1999.
She weighed in at 6 lbs. 9 oz.
and was 17 1/2” long.
The Farrells lovingly remember
Shelby Kathryn.
December 29, 1997 - January 1, 1998
Complications of prematurity
after fetal surgery/sacrococcygeal teratoma.

Sylba & Michael Manning
of Garland, Texas
proudly welcome
their daughter,
Kirsten Mackayla.
Kirsten was born February 28, 1999.
She weighed 8 lbs. 7 oz.
They remember with love
their son,
Dakota Tristen,
who died March 26, 1998
due to high fever.

Cheryl & John Turner
and their son, Matthew,
of Grapevine, Texas
announce the birth of
John “Marshall” Turner,
born February 18, 1999.
He weighed 8 lbs. 8 oz.
and measured 20” in length.
They lovingly remember
Kelly Lynne,
September 22 - 23, 1997,
who died of
Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Jennifer Moore & Brian Hilgenkamp
and big brother, Thomas
of Arlington, Nebraska
proudly welcome
Winter Joy Moore-Hilgenkamp.
She was born February 13, 1999,
weighing 8 lbs. 7 oz.
and measuring 20 1/2” long.
They remember
Faith Elizabeth
with love.
August 15 - 20, 1997
Congenital Heart Disease

Marianne & Ted Shields
of Plano, Texas
lovingly welcome
Ryan Hamill,
born February 10, 1999.
He weighed 8 lbs. 3 1/2 oz.
and was 20 1/2” long.
They remember with love
their daughter,
Brianna Marin,
who died
October 15, 1996,
due to Group B Strep.

Nancy & Les Brown
and big brother, Cody
of Hudson, New Hampshire
celebrate the blessing of the birth of
Tyler Michael,
born April 1, 1999.
He weighed 8 lbs.
and measured 20 1/2” long.
They lovingly remember
their daughter, Kali Alyssa,
born still April 12, 1996.

Sherri & Bill Green
of Mesquite, Texas
rejoice in the birth
of their daughter,
Meagan Hope,
who was born February 25, 1999.
She weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz.
and measured 19” in length.
With love, they remember
their daughter,
Julie Ann,
December 22, 1997 - January 7, 1998,
who died due to
severe prematurity.

Birthday Tributes

---

Happy 4th Birthday Jonathan!!

In some ways it seems like yesterday that you were safe in my womb and
we were preparing for your arrival. Then at other times it’s as if it
was forever ago that we held you in our arms and said good-bye. I often
look at your pictures and have to remind myself that you were not a
dream; you really were here, just not for long.

If you were here, I know there are so many new adventures that would be
beginning in your life. You would probably start preschool in the fall
as well as play on a soccer team. You would no longer be in the
“nursery” at church, but instead join the big kids in “power church.”

You might have been able to swim this summer without “floaties” and
learn to jump off the diving board. And I’m sure your big brother,
Byron, would have taught you all there is to know about baseball and
every other sport!

But God had other plans for your life and I know you have experienced
far greater things in heaven than going to school and playing sports.
And although the sadness of your death will always remain, there is such
a peace in knowing that someday we will all be together again for
eternity!

Love,

Mommy, Daddy
& Little Byron

Rebekah & Byron Mitchell, & Byron, Jr.
In loving memory of Jonathan Daniel Mitchell, stillborn June 24, 1995
due to cord accident.


Sarah,
We love and miss you!

Love,
Mommy, Daddy,
Brooks & Kaylee

Lori & David King, Brooks & Kaylee
In loving memory of Sarah Ann King,
stillborn due to cord accident on
June 22, 1995.

We love and miss you, Sarah!

Love,

Nini, MeeMaw & Pete

In loving memory of Sarah Ann King,
stillborn due to cord accident
on June 22, 1995.

In God's Loving Hands

An Angel came down from the sky
To bring joy to hearts on earth.
Her loving family happily planned
For the coming birth;

But God, one sad day, called her back
Into His heavenly place,
And her sweet spirit traveled back,
Leaving tears on many a face.

Now, “Why?” is all that we can ask
About things we can’t understand,
But we must trust that everything
Is in God’s loving hands.

So may God fill your hearts with peace,
And help you bear the pain,
For your little one is in Heaven with Him,
Where she safely will remain.

And wait until you join her there,
Where tears are cried no more.
Your sorrow will one day be at an end,
And you’ll see your Angel once more!

Reprinted with permission from Cyndy Estep, 
Precious Children Remembered,
Voices of Longing, Voices of Hope, Vol. II. 

To order a copy of this
poetry collection, please contact 
Precious Children Remembered at 
P.O. Box 534, Huron, OH 44839 

or 

http://www.accnorwalk.com/~mom2nich/

Rose In The Cradle
by Donna Gassett

There’s a rose in the cradle
where you should have been.
A tiny faded bloom and our tears for you,
are laid to rest in this quiet empty room.

Little one, you left too soon for me to hold,
before I even knew your name.
Little one, you left too soon,
but not too soon for me to love.

Now the One who created your delicate form,
has welcomed you in His home,
where no baby cries, or rose ever dies,
and you’re cradled as His own.

Little one, you left too soon for me to hold,
before I even knew your name.
Little one, you left too soon,
but not too soon for me to love.

Some day I’ll hold you, know you,
call you by name and take your hand,
when we’re together...together again.

Reprinted with permission from Cyndy Estep, 
Precious Children Remembered,
Voices of Longing, Voices of Hope, Vol. II. 

To order a copy of this
poetry collection, please contact 
Precious Children Remembered at 
P.O. Box 534, Huron, OH 44839 

or 

http://www.accnorwalk.com/~mom2nich/

Zondervan Publishing House announces the release of When A Baby Dies by Ronald Nash. When A Baby Dies helps pastors give comfort to parents who have lost an infant, women who have suffered a miscarriage or who regret a past abortion, and families who have lost a loved one mentally incapable of understanding the gospel. It replaces false beliefs, which are eventually disproved, with the solid promises of Scripture, which cannot fail. When A Baby Dies can be purchased at most Christian bookstores or visit the Zondervan website at http://www.zondervan.com.

Resources published in the printed version of this newsletter can be accessed online directly from M.E.N.D.'s resource pages.  To access the resource pages (at any time), navigate to the following URL:

URL:  http://www.mend.org/resources_internet.asp

In the M.E.N.D. resource listing, you will find resources which include internet web sites, national organizations, and family bereavement pages.

Please review the M.E.N.D.
Reprint Policy and Disclaimer.

Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death (M.E.N.D.)
Copyright 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999.  All Rights Reserved.