Your grief will turn to joy

I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. John 16:20

I'm thrilled to report that there has been some progress with my brainstorming so far, and I thought I'd share some updates.

Two of my co-workers were inspired to use their talents and to share their awesome ideas for things that can be made and given to other families through our local hospital. My co-worker, Mary, and her friend Wendy, used beads to make jewelry, and I was fortunate enough to benefit from their idea! They made me a bracelet and a ring, and I love them both!


Karen has been busy knitting items that can be donated to the hospital for other babies. I have always thought about learning to knit, and I am especially excited now that my interest could have a purpose. Karen has graciously offered to teach me her talent. This is really exciting for me because I love to do crafty things, and even more than that, I love the idea of making things that others can benefit from!

I met with Gail last week from the STAR program at the hospital to discuss getting the support group up and running again. I am super excited about this! The first support group meeting will be held Wednesday November 17 at 7:00. The group will be open to anyone who has lost a baby through miscarriage, during pregnancy, or following delivery/birth. The group will meet once a month on the third Wednesday of the month. If you are interested in being a part of this group, please don't hesitate to contact me for more information.

I have spoken with a representative from the local March of Dimes office, and we have been discussing ways for us to use our experience to educate others about Trisomy 18 and holoprosencepahly. Even the person I have been talking with admitted that she had to research Trisomy 18 after speaking with me the first time because she was not familiar with it either. There may be opportunities for us to share our story at future events and fundraisers for the March of Dimes to raise awareness.

We are continuing to brainstorm ways for fundraising for the Trisomy 18 Foundation. I have spoken with the March of Dimes as well as the Trisomy 18 Foundation, and both organizations are on board with offering support. I have also received lots of support from family and friends about this. Thanks to my sister-in-law, Beth, we are seriously considering moving forward with planning a carnival and family friendly run/walk. Obviously, we are still very much in the beginning stages of planning and things could change. Our tentative idea is for this event to take place around the anniversary of Lily's delivery to be held in her memory. Funds raised will go toward the Trisomy 18 Foundation to help with research, support, and awareness. I'll definitely continue to report any developments with this as things progress.

I'm feeling optimistic as some of my initial ideas have been transformed into reality. It is definitely exciting for me to be a part of something that feels so much bigger than just me and my family. It's about the community and the many other babies, mothers, fathers, grandparents, and family members who have experienced a similarly life changing circumstance. Thank you to those of you who shared your thoughts and ideas. You all encouraged me and gave me hope!