Christmas is less than two weeks away and I have been thinking of all the parents who have come into my life since I started the local chapter of Share. Some have faced many holiday seasons since their baby died and for others, this is their first.
Many parents find it helpful to include their baby in their Christmas celebrations. Whether you do it quietly or make others aware, is your decision. Do what feels right and helpful for you.
Some ideas for including your precious baby:
1. Hanging a special ornament on your tree.
2. Lighting a candle and having a moment of silence and/or prayer.
3. Giving a gift to a needy child in memory of your baby.
4. Giving to a charity in memory of your baby.
5. Hang a stocking for your baby and write messages of love to him/her. If you have other children, it can be healing for them to do the same.
6. Take a small decorated Christmas tree, wreath or flowers to your baby's grave.
I wish each of you a Christmas filled with love, hope and peace.
Love,
Colleen
Welcome
Hello and welcome to the new blog site for Share of Northeast Louisiana. Share is a support group for parents who have suffered the heartbreaking loss of a baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn death or during the first few months of life. We are a chapter of National Share that has been supporting families for over thirty years.My name is Colleen Howard. I started the local chapter of this wonderful organization in 2002. Since then several parents and a grandparent who attend the meetings helped make it possible for our small group to grow and do things I never dreamed possible. We held our first Annual Walk for Remembrance and Hope in 2007. Although small, it turned out to be a day that is etched into our hearts forever. In the same year we became incorporated and aquired non-profit status. In doing so, it opened doors for our group to fulfill even more goals. Share of Northeast Louisiana holds meetings at least once a month. Parents, grandparents and other family members or friends (excluding children) are welcomed by other bereaved parents. Here we are able to share our grief and find a support system so that parents can deal with their loss. I know firsthand and from working with others that it makes a profound difference when hearts open and heal with the help of those who truly understand. Our group also provides grief packets to area hospitals, women's clinics and funeral homes so that bereaved parents are immediately made aware of our support group. We never want a parent to need support and not know where to turn. If you or someone you know has lost a baby and would like to talk to one of our members or attend our meetings, please email me at ColleenH38@aol.com. Our meetings are held on the second Monday of each month but we are available at other times as well. Colleen
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