From Loss to Life
This blog is written by SIDS America co-founder, Cheryl Darnell, whose son Billy died from SIDS. The thoughts reflected here come from Cheryl's heart to encourage others who are also experiencing the death of a child from SIDS. Her desire is that you might find hope and healing through her words and know that you are not alone.
May
12
2012
Cheryl Darnell
Anniversaries, Brokenness, Comfort, Death, Depression, Encouragement, Faith, Grief, Healing, Heaven, Holidays, Hope, Loss of Baby, Loss of Hopes & Dreams, Mother's Day, Scriptures, SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
For all mothers who have suffered the death of a child to SIDS....
While many moms blissfully relish in the joys of motherhood today, there are also many mothers who face this day feeling empty, surrounded by empty.....empty arms, empty carseat, empty nursery, empty heart. How, you may be wondering, does a grieving mother possibly "celebrate" Mother's Day?
To answer that, it helps to look at a significant truth about becoming a mother.
God says in the following passages:
Jeremiah 1:5: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart...
Psalm 139:13-16: For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days...
Apr
8
2012
Cheryl Darnell
Comfort, Death, Encouragement, Faith, Grief, Healing, Heaven, Holidays, Hope, Loss of Baby, Loss of hopes and dreams, Scriptures, SIDS, Songs That Heal, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
In general, most holidays can be pretty difficult to face when grieving the loss of a child. But Easter is different.
While it does not completely erase our pain, Easter brings the miraculous Truth that allows our hearts to heal and find hope in the midst of our trauma and tragedy. The Resurrection is a miracle for each one of us, and it assures grieving parents the hope of reuniting with their children again one day. I know the devastation of losing my son to SIDS. I cannot imagine the devastation I would feel if Christ had not taken my sins upon Himself and died so that I could live- in eternity- with Him and with my loved ones.
The children's choir at our church this Easter morning sang a song that dates back 139 years. Even with a new melody/arrangement, the hymn's words are powerful and timeless. I've copied the lyrics to the song below, and you can listen to Aaron Shust perform it at...
Nov
23
2011
Cheryl Darnell
Comfort, Death, Doubting God, Encouragement, Faith, Family & Friends, Grief, Healing, Heaven, Holidays, Hope, Loss of Baby, Prayer, Scriptures, SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
For those grieving the loss of a child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), holidays can be really tough. Sometimes we simply go through the motions with the least exertion of effort, just trying to "make it through." And that's okay.
But it's also okay to enjoy the holidays. It's okay to find joy in other things while also deeply grieving the loss of your child. In fact, it is those sources of joy that will spark glimmers of hope and help bring healing to your heart over time.
When I consider the original "Thanksgiving," it was not a picture of family dressed up and sitting in comfy chairs in a central-heated dining room with a table decked with fine china, a perfectly roasted turkey, and an abundance of gourmet sides. Colonists gathered around their hand-built, humble, drafty log cabins with, sadly, many pilgrim family members missing. Half of the colonists were casualties of the previous harsh winter and diseases. And yet those who were present gave thanks. For...
Dec
8
2009
Cheryl Darnell
The following list might be helpful for parents grieving through the holidays.
- Remember little things that were unique to your baby and share those memories with those close to you.
- Bring out special photos of your child (it helps “include” your baby in your celebration).
- Journal how you feel and how you have healed since last Christmas. (If it’s your 1st Christmas since your baby died, you may want to write out all that you are sad about missing.)
- Plan ahead and discuss with other family members how you’d like to honor your baby.
- Share your hesitations, fears, feelings, expectations, and plans with your family, especially those who you plan on being with during the holidays.
- Make a list of what you normally do for the holidays, and cross out anything that you just can’t handle doing this year or that really doesn’t need to be done- go easy on yourself....
Blog Archives
May, 2012
April, 2012
March, 2012
November, 2011
October, 2011
September, 2011
August, 2011
July, 2011
December, 2010
May, 2010
March, 2010
December, 2009
November, 2009
October, 2009
Click Below to Sign Up
Find us on Facebook!
Words Have Power
