Poem from the Heart April 23, 2007

We did something really helpful at this years Gathering.  So impactful that I feel I must share it again here.  It has been nearly nine years since my son died.  I have been on this particular grief journey for some time but this poem still touched the places in my heart that longs for my child.  Please take the time to share your version of this poem.  You never know how much what you share will help another mother.  If you did not attend the Gathering please consider doing this poem.  Just copy this poem.  There is one repeating line example – I am a mother who misses my son. 

I am a ________________who misses my_________________.

I wonder

I hear

I see

I want

I am a _______________who misses my ___________________.

I pretend

I feel

I touch

I cry

I am a ______________who misses my _____________.

I understand

I say

I dream

I try to

I hope

I am a ________________who misses my__________.

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Gathering to Remember “Expecting Joy” April 23, 2007

Well, I needed a little down-time to process yesterday’s event before I blogged!  What a morning we had together…

19 women gathered together to share their stories of loss, hear words of encouragement and make some new friends and memories.  Our speakers for the day included Wendy Elarton, the wife of the senior paster at Bedford Christian Community A/G, who shared her story of infertility and miscarriages and the impact it made in her spiritual, relational and physical life.  We also had Kathy Goetz, the Bereavement Coordinator for Hospice of Lenawee, who shared on grief and what it means to “expect joy” in the midst of hard times.  We wrote poems about our babies, we had a make ‘n take in their honor, and we SHARED–scrapbooks, stories, pictures–over a delicious brunch prepared by loving hands!  Each woman took home a Tear Bottle keepsake, with a card on it to remind them that each one of their tears is important to God…  The morning ended with a tribute video, honoring each one of the babies represented, and a candle-light memorial service.

My thanks go out to everyone involved–the mom’s who came and shared their precious babies with us, Wendy and Kathy for speaking such wonderful words of encouragement, Rachel Bleich of Stampin’ Up! for her help with the make ‘n take, Char Horky and Rose Koch for catering brunch, Guided by Grace for coupons for all who gathered, Meijer for the table arrangements, Vicky Isley for our memorial bracelets, Jane Clark for assistance with our “technical difficulties”, Ronda Winans for the tribute video, Element Church in Blissfield for the candles for the memorial…the list goes on and on!  If I have forgotten anyone, please forgive me and know that we couldn’t have pulled the day of without you!

It is my sincere hope and prayer that all who attended went home a little lighter in spirit than when they arrived…

Before I go…couple of reminders:

1) June 11 will be our “Invisible Wounds” special event!  Plan to bring family and friends as we discover how an emotional wound is similar to a physical wound–it should bring some insight to those around you about your grief journey!  This will replace our normal group night (June 18).  Please register by June 7, so we can plan for light refreshments.  If you have any questions, email me at alaina@tinypurpose.com

2) July 21st is the 7th Annual Harvey Hiatt Memorial Golf Outing, whose proceeds go to benefit Tiny Purpose!  Start thinking of ways you can help–a hole sponsorship in memory of your baby, donations of prizes, or put together a team!  Once again, contact me for more info

 3) Finally, an early reminder that the 2007 Walk to Remember will be held Sunday, 10/14 at Trestle Park in Adrian…more details will follow!

 Have a blessed week and know that you are thought of and prayed for regularly…Alaina

TGIF! April 20, 2007

Good morning! Sorry it has taken me this long since group on Monday night to blog…what a week!  Busy as usual around our house!  I’m sure it has been for you guys too…

 Group Monday was great!  We had 5 new faces who bravely came and shared their stories with us!  Thank you so much for your courage!  I’m really looking forward to getting to know these women a little bit better…We worked on a mailing for the 7th Annual Harvey Hiatt Memorial Golf Outing, our one and only fundraiser planned for 2007 and had a lovely time getting to know one another.

Ta-Da!!  Important announcement – Allison had her baby on Wednesday night!  Though her c-section was not expected for another week, she went into labor on her own and they did the surgery on Wednesday!  Baby Nash William was born around 7:55pm on 4/18 and he was over 7 pounds!  Both mom and baby are doing GREAT and I’m thrilled to go and meet him later today…please keep her in your thoughts and prayer…

 Last night was a big TP night…our first board meeting!  What a special “first” for us!  We met with 5 people who have caught our vision and we talked about everything that has been happening and where we want to go!  It was an exciting night and I know we’ll share more as time goes on…

 Tomorrow is the Gathering and I can’t wait!  It will be a morning of hope, healing and remembering, if you let it!  I’ll be sure to post again afterwards!

 Have a blessed day and I’ll see some of you tomorrow!  Alaina

What a week! April 14, 2007

Hello!  I know it has almost been a month since I last blogged…I can’t believe Monday is a group night again!

I just wanted to let you know that we have had six new mom’s contact Tiny Purpose in the last 2 weeks, really.  Please be thinking of Holly, Kelly, Nicole, Gerri, Andrea and Amy.  I belive the first five of these women are planning on attending group on Monday, so you’ll be able to meet them and learn a little more about them and their precious babies then.  Amy is a family friend of mine who lives in Tennessee, so she is far from family and us!  As she attends her son’s funeral today, please be thinking of and praying for her and her husband…

Also, let me remind you that the Gathering to Remember is on Saturday, April 21st at the Christian Mission from 9am to 1pm.  We have a lot of wonderful things planned and I know the speakers will minister to your heart as they share their stories of infirtility and loss, as well as their journey through grief, and how they have had “beauty come from ashes”.  This year’s theme is “Expecting Joy” as we recognize that we have a lifeline to help get us through our grief.  Registration is required–call the Christian Mission at 517-263-7430.

Before I log off, I want to leave you with a thought for this weekend…Who walks beside you and gives you permission to be who you are and where you are in your grief journey?  If you are hiding your pain or hiding from people, then discover how God will meet you in your isolation.  If you are suffering and need to cry, then weep with all your heart.  If you feel like relating to others to help them through a similar journey, then connect.  And if you are seeking hope, help and healing to press on in your future, then start today. (adapted from Grieving the Child I Never Knew by Kathe Wunnenberg)

No matter where you are in your journey, we are here to help!  Don’t hesitate to email or call (see www.tinypurpose.com for contact info)…Tiny Purpose is here to support you however you need the most. 

I’m looking forward to Monday!  Love, thoughts and prayers, Alaina