M.E.N.D. Newsletter

The Holidays Can Be Difficult
Volume 4, Issue 6. November/December 1999

From Rebekah

Although it remains very warm where I live in Texas, the holidays are just around the corner. Thanksgiving dinnerware is displayed in stores and the markets have begun stocking up on turkeys. The malls already have Christmas paraphernalia for sale and some people have started the tedious task of holiday gift shopping. 

When fresh in grief, it can be very painful to see the world so thankful and joyful during the holiday season. Sometimes the bereaved wish they could stay in bed with the covers over their heads and not get up until January. But that’s impossible and somehow the grief-stricken will have to endure family get-togethers, parties, and the hustle and bustle that November and December bring. 

We’re all familiar with I Thessalonians 4:18 where the apostle Paul encourages us to, “give thanks in all circumstances...” Sometimes we wonder if he truly meant every situation. I remember Thanksgiving four years ago - my first Thanksgiving since Jonathan’s stillbirth. I wasn’t thankful for anything!! Not my husband, not Little Byron, not my home, nothing! I was so caught up in my grief and heartbreak of Jonathan not being there that I couldn’t focus on what I did have. However, as time went by, slowly but surely, I was able to acknowledge and appreciate the good things in my life. Although I will always miss Jonathan, I can honestly say I am very thankful for him. I see the blessings that his life, through his death, has brought my family and me. 

At our “Thursday” support groups I have begun setting apart time and opening the floor for people to share one or more positive things that have resulted from their baby’s death. I tell the families that it may take months or years for them to acknowledge even the smallest amount of good, but that we all should search our hearts and begin to find it. It is very touching to hear the parents share their thoughts on this. Among many examples, some reveal that through their loss they have become closer as a family, some explain that they now realize the miracle of life, and others express their desire to now help others in need. 

I encourage you to begin doing what we do at M.E.N.D., examine your heart and try to acknowledge just one positive outcome of your baby’s death. This isn’t an attempt to minimize your grief or take away from your heartache. It’s simply to assist you in “growing,” instead of “going” through your grief. 

Christmas is just as hard, if not harder, than Thanksgiving to endure. It’s difficult for us not to imagine our baby on Santa’s lap and wonder what gifts we would have left under the tree for our excited child. It’s not easy for most bereaved parents to rejoice over a baby born 2000 years ago when ours didn’t survive. And we wonder if it is acceptable to include our baby in the holiday festivities and if so, how? 
While some families remember their deceased loved ones quietly and to themselves, others very candidly commemorate them. Personally, we choose to openly remember Jonathan during the holidays and there are many ways to do so. Shortly after Thanksgiving, we put a wreath and poinsettia on his grave as well as hang a stocking in our home (though in a special place - not on the mantle). We also have several ornaments that we have collected over the years that were purchased in his memory and some have his name and birth/death date on them. 

Last year a couple in M.E.N.D. wrote their thoughts regarding their baby on little pieces of paper and put them in his stocking. On Christmas morning they sat down and together read aloud each others’ meditations. Some families choose to “adopt” a child who is the age their baby would have been and provide Christmas for them. Another way to remember your baby at Christmas time is to attend a service in memory of the deceased. Every year M.E.N.D. hosts a beautiful candlelight Christmas Ceremony in which the families are given the opportunity to come forward and light a candle in their baby’s memory. We also provide inspirational music, poetry, and a short devotional for the families. After the ceremony, we invite everyone to stay for refreshments and fellowship with other bereaved couples. This year our ceremony will be held Tuesday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Calvary Temple church in Irving, TX. Please call M.E.N.D. at (972) 459-2396 for more information. 

Regardless of how long it has been since the loss of your baby, I know the pain never completely diminishes during the holidays. I pray that all of us with the common bond of losing a precious baby will remember to “...encourage one another and build each other up...” (I Thessalonians 5:11) especially during the holiday season. And from all of us at M.E.N.D., have a Thankful Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Rebekah Mitchell

Table of Contents

Remembering Your Baby During the Holidays
Geting Past Christmas
Little Light
Angel In The Sky
Jordan Ashley Heffley
Subsequent Births
Merry Christmas, Little One
Book Review
2000 Arizona SIDS Alliance Conference
In Memory
Can't Escape
In Loving Memory
Online Resources
Contact Information
Reprint Policy and Legal Disclaimer

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Remembering Your Baby During the Holidays

To remember your baby, 
whether it’s at Christmas or any other time of the year, 
here are some ideas that have been helpful to others. 



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In our November/December 1997 issue, we reprinted an article entitled Getting Past Christmas by Carlene Vester Eneroth. She had some very good ideas for surviving the holidays without a loved one. Here are a few of those ideas.

Getting Past Christmas
by Carlene Vester Eneroth

Plan your shopping trips ahead of time or try creative alternatives. Try shopping at a different mall and go early in the day, before bumping into all those merry shoppers. 

Enlist the help of others in wrapping your gifts. Many friends would love to help but need to be asked. 

Consider changing your traditional family Christmas letter. Feel free to mention your loss. You may feel good sharing your feelings and others may benefit from hearing it as a reminder of the “true meaning of Christmas.” 

Give yourself permission to change family traditions. Doing things differently this year may help to ward off some bad memories or expectations. 

Try a new idea when you are getting ready to hang up Christmas stockings. Go ahead and hang one up for your baby. Encourage each family member to write a note to the baby that can be read on Christmas Eve. A flower placed in the stocking for Christmas morning is a sweet sight. 

Determine to do one special thing for someone else in December. Maybe you know someone who is hurting like you or a lonely neighbor who could use a short visit. Perhaps you could make cookies to give away, pick out a special card to send or take a plant to someone. 

Pamper yourself this month. Be determined to buy yourself a present. 

Plan on taking time to cry. It is normal to have to cry during the holidays. Holidays intensify all emotions - why should your loss be any different?



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Little Light

Like a softly burning candle 
With a golden kind of glow, 
You lit my life with joy 
Til my heart would overflow. 

Bright with possibility 
And hope for each new day, 
We had so many plans for you. 
Then you went away. 

Your little flame extinguished, 
Now the shadows come about. 
The gloom is overwhelming. 
Hopeless, I cry out. 

“Why did you leave me, Little One? 
Tell me where you are!” 
And my eyes look to heaven 
And I see a twinkling star. 

It glitters with a promise 
That you’re not so far away; 
And the love that you brought us 
Is here with us to stay. 

by Gwen Flowers 
In Loving Memory of 
Hannah, Skylar and Jordan 
Reprinted with permission. 


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Angel In The Sky

Our precious angel came so still 
We heard not a single cry. 
We held you tight in loving arms; 
So hard to say good-bye. 

We yearned to hold you longer, 
See your eyes and one big grin; 
But for reasons we don’t understand 
God took you home with Him. 

So spread your angel wings, sweet Son, 
and play on Heaven’s grounds. 
Where you will never know earth’s tears, 
And peace and joy surrounds. 

Mommie and Daddy cry today, 
But this is not good-bye. 
For we’ll be with you forever, 
When we meet you in the sky. 

Written by Aunt Sarah Lee Rose, 
In Loving Memory of 
Travis Stone Cates 
August 24, 1999 



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Jordan Ashley Heffley

J esus is holding, kissing, and rocking you since I cannot. 
O ur hearts are filled with so much love for you. 
R emembering your smooth, soft skin is a memory I cherish. 
D ad & Mom love and miss you more than words can express. 
A ngel is a word that describes you perfectly. 
N ine hours is all we had with you but you have touched so many lives in that short time. 

A blessing in our lives is definitely what you are. 
S weet little girl who fought to live thinking of our needs and not your own. 
H eaven is so much better with you there. 
L ucky to have known you and to have been chosen to be your family. 
E ternity is where one day we will be reunited as a family once again. 
Y our brother and sister love and miss you and wish you were here to play with. 

H appy thoughts are what I try to always remember about you. 
E tched in my heart and mind are my memories of your short stay. 
F un is what I hope you are having. 
F orever in my life you will be. 
L onging to be with you. 
E veryone is trying to find some happiness again knowing that is what you would want. 
Y ou are not far from our thoughts especially during the holidays and special occasions. 

Written by Jan Heffley 
In loving memory of her precious angel, 
Jordan Ashley Heffley 
Born and Died of Trisomy 13 on July 5, 1999 


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Subsequent Births

Robyn & David Glynn 
and their son, Billy, 
of DeSoto, Texas 
are happy to announce the birth of 
Casey Chasteen, 
born on August 4, 1999 
at 37 weeks. 
She weighed 6 lbs. 7 oz. 
They remember with love 
Katherine Jeanne, 
stillborn October 15, 1997. 

Trish & Jay Cox 
of Plano, Texas 
and big brother, Mark, 
announce the arrival of 
Kennedy Jayne Cox. 
She was born August 9, 1999 
Kennedy weighed 7 lbs. 8oz 
and was 19" long. 
The Coxes lovingly remember 
Casey Taylor, 
stillborn February 20, 1998 
due to Trisomy 18 
and Baby Cox, 
miscarried August 7, 1998. 

Julie & Tom Dorothy 
of Topeka, Kansas 
with their seven year old son, Will, 
welcome 
Shannon Elisabeth, 
born March 13, 1999. 
They remember with love 
their son, 
Seth Elijah, 
12/9/96. 

Cindy & Mike Garabedian 
and big sister, Victoria 
of Colleyville, Texas 
welcome 
Elizabeth Grace Garabedian. 
She was born March 23, 1999 
weighing 6 lbs. 5 oz. 
They remember 
Michael, Jr., 
stillborn February 2, 1998 
due to Cord Accident/ 
Villamentous Cord Insertion. 

Jean & Brian Mueller 
from Richardson, Texas 
proudly announce the birth of 
Ashley Brook, 
born September 8, 1999. 
Ashley weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. 
and measured 20 1/2” long. 
The Muellers lovingly remember 
Matthew James, 
stillborn August 16, 1998 
due to Premature Labor. 

Jeanette & Richard Wayne 
and their daughter, Emmaline, 
of Gonzales, Texas 
are delighted to announce the 
arrival of their miracle gift from heaven, 
Chloe Jeanette. 
She was born August 24, 1999 
weighing 6 lbs. 3 oz. 
and measuring 18 1/2”. 
They lovingly remember 
their precious angel babies, 
Olivia Grace, 
stillborn May 11, 1995 
and Baby Wayne I, 
miscarried April 20, 1996 
and Angel, 
miscarried July 23, 1998. 

Nicole & Matt Didier 
of Flower Mound, Texas 
announce the birth of their daughter, 
Madison Marie, 
born September 1, 1999, 
weighing in at 8 lbs. 14 oz. and 
measuring 21 1/8” long. 
The Didiers 
lovingly remember 
Cole Matthew Didier, 
who died August 25, 1998 
due to Renal Agenesis. 

Chris & Dan Zahocsky 
and big sister, Courtney 
of Ballwin, Missouri 
proudly announce the birth of 
Megan Elizabeth. 
Megan was born July 9, 1999, 
weighing 7 lbs. 8 oz. and 
measuring 19 1/2” long. 
They remember with love 
Madison Paige, 
stillborn April 7, 1998 
due to Cord Accident. 

Gina & Bart Bevers 
of Dallas, Texas 
announce the birth of their son, 
Zane Samuel, 
born July 22, 1999. 
Zane weighed 9 lbs. 14 oz. 
and measured 20 3/4” long. 
The Bevers lovingly remember 
Baby Bevers I, 
January 1998 
and Baby Bevers II, 
May 1998. 

Tammy & Mike Moehlman 
along with siblings, 
Joshua, Andrew and Kaitlyn, 
of Midlothian, Texas 
give glory to God 
for the birth of their daughter, 
Madison Renee, 
born September 4, 1999. 
She weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz. 
and was 18 1/2 inches long. 
They lovingly remember their sons, 
Christian, 
stillborn December 5, 1996, 
and Jonathan, 
stillborn July 16, 1997. 
Both died due to 
Antiphosolipid Antibodies. 

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Merry Christmas, Little One

Jingle bells are ringing 
across the town tonight. 
Everywhere the children are singing-- 
Their faces are rosy and bright. 

It is always a sweet occasion, 
Yet this year I feel so sad and blue. 
Just three months ago 
I had to say good-bye to you. 

My precious baby daughter, 
I can't help but wish you were here with me. 
An ornament with your name engraved 
hangs proudly on our tree. 

I always imagined our first Christmas together-- 
We'd tell you of Jesus and His birth. 
God sent His one and only Son, 
the greatest gift to earth. 

Even though my heart is broken, 
I know there is reason to celebrate-- 
My child you are with Jesus now. 
Everyday there is Christmas joy for you within Heaven's gates. 

So Merry Christmas, little one; 
I'm most grateful you were given to me, if only for awhile. 
I know every Christmas from now on I will remember you. 
I'll thank God for you and smile. 

In loving remembrance of 
Mercedes Ruth Spigener 
Stillborn September 21, 1995 
by her Mommy, Jana Spigener 



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Book Review

Pregnancy After a Loss 
A Guide to Pregnancy 
After a Miscarriage, Stillbirth, 
or Infant Death 
by Carol Cirulli Lanham 
Foreward by Uel D. Crosby, M.D. 

After a miscarriage, a stillbirth or the death of an infant, well-meaning friends and family often advise, “You can always try again.” But for a woman who has experienced such a heartbreaking loss, conceiving another child can be fraught with mixed emotions. This guide, filled with up-to-date medical information and written by a woman who herself experienced a successful pregnancy after the loss of her first baby, can help. 

It offers guidance for women asking such questions as: Why did it happen, and how can I make sure it doesn’t happen again? How long should I wait before getting pregnant again? Should I keep the same doctor? What can I expect at prenatal exams? How can I cope with my anxiety? Will I ever be able to love another baby as much as I loved the one I lost? Pregnancy after a loss can be a time of great emotional upheaval, but, also, a time of healing and hope. With this sensible guide, women can ease their anxieties and learn to look forward to the future as they make peace with the past. 

Pregnancy After a Loss is published by Berkley Books, a division of Penguin Putnam Inc., 375 Hudson St., 
New York, New York. For more information, visit the author’s web site at http://www.pregnancyafteraloss.com.

Pregnancy After a Loss is on sale at book stores nationwide. To order directly, call toll-free 1-877-853-3595. 

“Pregnancy After a Loss very sensitively addresses the overwhelming fears and challenges, plus the bright hopes of a subsequent pregnancy after the death of a baby.” 
-- Cathi Lammert, 
Executive Director of SHARE 
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support



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2000 Arizona SIDS Alliance Conference

The 2000 Arizona SIDS Alliance Conference will be held June 9-10, 2000 in Phoenix, Arizona. 

This is “a multidisciplinary conference uniting physicians, nurses, firefighters, social workers, crisis interventionists, and families on the clinical and psychosocial aspects of death, crisis and bereavement. Continuing education available for medical professionals, paramedics, and social services.” 

For more information regarding this conference, please visit the following website, http://www.azsids.org/family/conf00.html or contact Joanne Cacciatore at 623-979-1000 or 1-800-597-SIDS or via e-mail at joanne@misschildren.org. 


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In Memory

In Loving Memory of 
Travis Stone Cates 
August 24, 1999 
We Love You! 

Mommie and Daddy cried, 
while all my family tried 
to understand the plan 
that took me from this land. 
Please don’t be too sad... 
for I am a special angel, you see, 
and God just couldn’t wait for me. 

Written by Travis’ aunt, 
Betty Sweetman 


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Can't Escape

I long to hear you whisper in my ear 
Tell me darling that you’re alright 
To know with blessed assurance 
That you are in the light 

My heart is aching, oh it’s aching 
Full of loneliness and gloom 
Can’t escape the dark cold silence 
That surrounds this empty room 

Oh come to me, my sweetness 
Lord, I can’t stand this pain 
I want to scream out at the world 
That I need you here again! 

But you’re not here, my heart cries out 
Oh my blessed son... 
I’m empty, oh so hollow 
Mommy needs you little one... 

Endless grief for you, my love 
Trembles deeply from inside 
Threatening to break loose 
In a huge rippling tide 

A terrifying silence 
Consumes this whole place 
So cold here with your absence 
A barren empty space 

Few can ever know 
A grief such as mine 
Tightly grips my soul 
With me all the time 

Weeping for my child 
I loved more than life itself 
Weeping for my son 
This grief, I know it well 

Oh my son I need you 
I’m begging you to come back 
Fill this hole in my heart 
Give me pure joy that I lack 

Angel I am weary 
I feel so very, very old 
Can you hear me calling? 
Come back for me to hold 

You are but a little spirit 
Who touched your mommy’s heart 
All the world to me, yet 
We’re so many worlds apart 

My heart is broken 
Shattered in a million pieces 
Though I think I understand now 
What our Lord teaches 

Little son I must surrender 
To a mother’s gripping madness 
Live with it lifelong 
This complete dulling sadness 

By Cathy Russell 
In Loving Memory of 
Joshua Darcy Russell 
Born and Died May 28, 1999 


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In Loving Memory

M.E.N.D. gratefully acknowledges these gifts of love given in memory of a baby, relative, friend or given by someone just wanting to help.  These donations help us to continue M.E.N.D.'s mission by providing this newsletter and other services to bereaved parents free of charge.  Your tax-deductible contributions are greatly appreciated and should be sent to the M.E.N.D. address listed at the bottom of the newsletter.  Thank you so much!

In Loving Memory of 

Jonathan Daniel Mitchell 
Stillborn June 24, 1995 
Cord Accident 
Parents, Rebekah & Byron Mitchell, Sr. and big brother, Byron, Jr. 
Given by his grandparents, 
Sue & Dennis Brewer 

Jonathan Daniel Mitchell 
Stillborn June 24, 1995 
Cord Accident 
Given by parents, 
Rebekah & Byron Mitchell, Sr. 
and big brother, Byron, Jr. 

Michael Joseph Böer 
Stillborn July 17, 1996 
Trisomy 18 
Given by parents, Lynne & Paul Böer 
and siblings, Paul, Jr., and Maggie 

Madison Rose Brandenburg 
Stillborn March 6, 1999 
Cord Accident 
Parents, Elisabeth & Britt Brandenburg 
Given by Barbara & Ed Bernazzani 

Kayce Dolores Bramlett 
March 14 - 15, 1999 
Premature Labor 
Parents, Deidre & Kyle Bramlett 
Given by Amelita Jones 

Kayce Dolores Bramlett 
March 14 - 15, 1999 
Premature Labor 
Parents, Deidre & Kyle Bramlett 
Given by Tricia Covias 

Kyle Charles Walton 
November 19, 1998 
Group B Strep/Severe Oligohydramnios 
Parents, Kristen & Jason Walton 
and big sister, Jessica 
Given by Jennifer & Randy Larsen 

Kyle Charles Walton 
November 19, 1998 
Group B Strep/Severe Oligohydramnios 
Parents, Kristen & Jason Walton 
and big sister, Jessica 
Given by Thelma G. Walton 

Kyle Charles Walton 
November 19, 1998 
Group B Strep/Severe Oligohydramnios 
Given by his parents, 
Kristen & Jason Walton 
and big sister, Jessica 

Kayce Dolores Bramlett 
March 14 - March 15, 1999 
Premature Labor 
Parents Deidre & Kyle Bramlett 
Given by Betty & Ted McCabe 

Kayce Dolores Bramlett 
March 14 - March 15, 1999 
Prematurity 
Parents, Deidre & Kyle Bramlett 
Given by Tricia & David Amend 

Kayce Dolores Bramlett 
March 14 - March 15, 1999 
Prematurity 
Given by parents, Deidre & Kyle Bramlett 

Kayce Dolores Bramlett 
March 14 - March 15, 1999 
Prematurity 
Parents, Deidre & Kyle Bramlett 
Given by Florine & John Jayroe 

Kayce Dolores Bramlett 
March 14 - March 15, 1999 
Prematurity 
Parents, Deidre & Kyle Bramlett 
Given by Sherrill Hall & Downs Deering 

Madison Rose Brandenburg 
Stillborn March 6, 1999 
Cord Accident 
Parents, Elisabeth & Britt Brandenburg 
Given by The Law Offices of Matthew McKay 

Sarah Ann King 
Stillborn June 22, 1995 
Cord Accident 
Given by parents, Lori & David King 
and siblings, Brooks and Kaylee 

Kyle Charles Walton 
Stillborn November 19, 1998 
Group B Strep/Severe Oligohydramnios 
Parents, Kristen & Jason Walton 
and big sister, Jessica 
Given by Mayday Pest Control 

Kayce Dolores Bramlett 
March 14 - 15, 1999 
Premature Labor 
Parents, Kyle & Deidre Bramlett 
Given by Eula Bramlett 

Mercedes Ruth Spigener 
Stillborn September 21, 1995 
Intramembranous Insertion of Umbilical Cord 
Parents, Jana & Grant Spigener, 
and little brother, Wyatt 
Given by grandparents, 
Sheryln & Barry Spigener and 
Aunt Jamie Lyn Spigener 

Zachary Cole Walker 
July 29, 1998 
Unknown Cause 
Given by parents, Katie & Jeff Walker 
and siblings, Jessica & Abigail 

Gift of Love 
Wendy Edlen 
William Bryce Jackson 
June 4, 1999 
Gastroschisis 
Given by parents, Heidi & Kevin Jackson 

Douglas Williams 
Stillborn January 2, 1998 
Unknown Cause 
Given by parents, Velinda & Fred Williams and big brother Fred, Jr. 

Epiphany Christine Ware 
February 13 - 15, 1999 
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome / 
VATERS Disorder 
Given by mother, India Routt 

Darius Alexander Carthen 
Stillborn March 2, 1997 
Unknown Cause 
Given by parents, Tamara & Marc Carthen 

Hamilton Jordan & 
Alexander Julian Carthen 
August 14, 1998 and September 7, 1998 
Given by parents, Tamara & Marc Carthen 

Christopher Reese & Alexis Danielle Hall 
May 25, 1999 and May 27, 1999 
Given by parents, Jan & Eric Hall 

Jordan Ashley Heffley 
July 5, 1999 
Trisomy 13 
Given by parents, Jan & John Heffley 
and siblings, Jonathan and Jasmine 

Madison Paige Zahoczky 
Stillborn April 7, 1998 
Cord Accident 
Given by parents, Chris & Dan Zahocsky 
and sisters, Courtney and Megan 

Bay William Miltenberger, Jr. 
Stillborn December 9, 1998 
Preterm Labor 
Parents, Paula & Bay Miltenberger 
Given by great grandparents, 
Pauline & T.W. Alley 

Blake Leland Allen 
April 21, 1999 
Premature Labor / Incompetent Cervix 
Parents, Jan & Sean Allen 
Given by “Mimi,” Melba Smith 

Blake Leland Allen 
April 21, 1999 
Premature Labor / Incompetent Cervix 
Given by parents, Jan & Sean Allen 

Katherine Elizabeth Kjolhede 
Stillborn May 10, 1999 
Unknown Cause 
Given by parents, Kristine & Jim Kjolhede 
and big brother, Jared 

Travis Stone Cates 
August 24, 1999 
Unknown Cause 
Given by parents, Jodie & Michael Cates 

Jared Mathew Slough 
February 14 - March 20, 1998 
Heart Defect / Failure 
Given by parents, Jo Ellen & Scott Slough 
and identical twin brother, Hunter 

Faith Elizabeth Moore-Hilgenkamp 
August 15 - 20, 1997 
Congenital Heart Disease 
Given by parents, 
Jennifer & Brian Hilgenkamp and 
siblings, Tommy and Winter 

Kyle Charles Walton 
Stillborn November 19, 1998 
Group B Strep / Severe Oligohydramnios 
Parents, Kristen & Jason Walton 
and big sister, Jessica 
Given by Martha Thomas & Eric Huefner 

Colin Broadbent 
September 4 - 17, 1998 
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome 
Parents, Teresa & Stuart Broadbent 
and brother, Blake 
Given by Lois & J.W. Lois Collins 

Mercedes Ruth Spigener 
Stillborn September 21, 1995 
Intramembranous Insertion of Umbilical Cord 
Parents, Jana & Grant Spigener 
and little brother, Wyatt 
Given by Spigener Enterprises,Inc. 

Matthew Aaron Bengtson 
Stillborn July 12, 1999 
Parents, Nancy & Kyle Bengtson 
and big brother, Christopher 
Given by Monica & Edward Keyport 

Matthew Aaron Bengtson 
Stillborn July 12, 1999 
Parents, Nancy & Kyle Bengtson 
and big brother, Christopher 
Given by Karen & Mark Cossack 

Jonathan Daniel Mitchell 
Stillborn June 24, 1995 
Cord Accident 
Parents, Rebekah & Byron Mitchell 
and big brother, Byron, Jr. 
Given by Gonzalo Venegas, M.D. 

Matthew Aaron Bengtson 
Stillborn July 12, 1999 
Parents, Nancy & Kyle Bengtson 
and big brother, Christopher 
Given by Carol E. Beglau 

Joshua & Jeromy Barsanti 
Stillborn November 21, 1996 
Anencephaly 
Given by parents, DaLana & Randy Barsanti and little brothers, Taylor and Collin 

Madison Rose Brandenburg 
Stillborn March 6, 1999 
Cord Accident 
Parents, Elisabeth & Britt Brandenburg 
Given by Aunt Debbie & Uncle Dave 
and cousins, Chase and Emily 

Sarah Ann King 
Stillborn June 22, 1995 
Cord Accident 
Parents, Lori & David King 
and siblings, Brooks and Kaylee 
Given by Nationwide Insurance, 
David H. King Agency 

Kayce Dolores Bramlett 
March 14 - 15, 1999 
Premature 
Parents, Deidre & Kyle Bramlett 
Given by grandmother, Kay Bramlett 

Troy Carlin Smith 
Stillborn February 19, 1999 
Bladder Outlet Obstruction 
Given by parents, Allyson & Shane Smith 
and big sister, Hannah 

Bay William Miltenberger, Jr. 
Stillborn December 9, 1998 
Preterm Labor/Incompetent Cervix 
Parents, Paula & Bay Miltenberger 
Given by Melinda & John Klabzuba 

Jonathan Daniel Mitchell 
Stillborn June 24, 1995 
Cord Accident 
Parents, Rebekah & Byron Mitchell 
and big brother, Byron, Jr. 
Given by Brewer, Brewer, Anthony & Middlebrook Law Firm 

Amanda Morgan Galleger 
Stillborn January 7, 1997 
Trisomy 18 
Given by parents, Diane & Steve Galleger 
and little sister, Sydney 

Carson Mitchell Shaw 
Stillborn April 1, 1999 
Cause Unknown 
Given by parents, Aimee & Randy Shaw 
and brother, Blake 

Julia & Elisabeth Baker 
Stillborn December 27, 1997 
Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome 
Given by parents, Evelyn & Karl Baker 


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Online Resources

Resources published in the printed version of this newsletter can be accessed on the Internet directly from M.E.N.D.'s resource pages.  To access the resource pages, 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.


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Contact Information

Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death (M.E.N.D.)
P.O. Box 1007
Coppell, TX  75019
(972) 459-2396  Phone/Fax
1-888-695-MEND

Email: 

Rebekah@mend.org and Lynne@mend.org

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M.E.N.D. Reprint Policy

Articles appearing printed in the M.E.N.D. newsletter or posted to the M.E.N.D. website are copyrighted by M.E.N.D. and/or by the individual authors of certain articles. These articles may not be reprinted without permission from the editor, Lynne Böer, or president of M.E.N.D., Rebekah Mitchell. Information from our website may be printed for the purpose of providing it to pregnancy loss support group members or other bereaved families so that they may also have access to the information. The material may not be reproduced in any way, shape or form for profit. Some authors of articles included on the website may carry their own copyright and their articles may only be reprinted with permission from the author.

M.E.N.D. Disclaimer

The purpose of the M.E.N.D. website and newsletter(s) is to provide information and comfort to bereaved families. It is NOT a substitute for professional advice.

M.E.N.D. does not provide professional services pertaining to any of the topics on our site. M.E.N.D. does not confirm the credentials of any person or persons representing themselves as professionals in articles included on the site. Many articles and/or poems on the website are strictly derived from the personal experiences of individuals and/or families and are for the purpose of allowing others to know they are not alone in their walk through grief, to let them know that others have similar feelings, thoughts and/or actions resulting from the loss of a child, and to offer hope to the bereaved.

Neither M.E.N.D. nor any of its directors or agents make any representations with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaim any implied or express warrants of merchantability or fitness for any particular usage, application or purpose.

M.E.N.D. shall not be held responsible for links provided to other sites.

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