Comfort

Giving Thanks in the Midst of Suffering

Posted Wed, 11/23/2011 - 08:53 by Cheryl Darnell

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.

What's the Big Deal About Crib Bumpers (and other SIDS Risk Factors)?

Posted Tue, 10/18/2011 - 04:04 by Cheryl Darnell

With October being SIDS Awareness Month, the American Academy of Pediatrics has released a new recommendation for safe sleep practices for infants. The AAP states, "Bumper pads should not be used in cribs. There is no evidence that bumper pads prevent injuries, and there is a potential risk of suffocation, strangulation or entrapment." (http://www.aap.org/pressroom/sids.pdf)

KRDO Channel 13 in Colorado Springs, CO, asked to interview us to get SIDS America's opinion on the new recommendation. You can click here to watch the video: http://www.krdo.com/health/29521577/detail.html

Healing Song - 'Held" - Written by Christa Wells and sung by Natalie Grant

Posted Tue, 09/20/2011 - 14:48 by Cheryl Darnell

Songs can bring incredible healing, and when a song is inspired by the Word of God, which is living and powerful, it can minister to a broken heart like no other words can. One such song was sent to me just after our son died. I will confess, it took me about 3 MONTHS before I even took the packaging off the CD. People grieve differently, and for me, I was just very silent for the first couple months. I didn't want to talk to anyone. I didn't want to read any books about grief. And worship- which had always been "my escape"- my place where I felt closest to the Lord- now was extremely painful. I didn't know if I really believed what I was singing anymore. How could I worship or praise my God in the midst of wanting to blame Him for my tragedy?

"Back to School" for Families Enduring SIDS

Posted Mon, 08/08/2011 - 14:28 by Cheryl Darnell

For a family who has suffered the death of a child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a great part of grieving their baby's death involves missing memories and milestones that never were....grieving the loss of the hopes and dreams you expected to experience with your child.

One such dream is the day you send your child off to school. Three simple words, "Back-to-School," can evoke a vast array of emotions and meanings for parents, but at the end of a long, hot summer, the general consensus among parents and kids is a feeling of anticipation and excitement. Yet the season can also cause great sadness to well up in the hearts of parents who have suffered the death of a child. 

Personally, I have some mixed emotions about it this year. Our "big girl" is entering Kindergarten, and boy have we been so excited about school supplies and school clothes. (never knew the delight that a pair of blunt scissors and a gluestick could bring!) 

Sudden - From Loss to Life

Posted Mon, 10/19/2009 - 11:23 by Cheryl Darnell

“I just hate death.” These were some of the first words uttered by my husband as he sat in shock, disbelief, and overwhelming sadness after receiving the news this past Wednesday that the father of one of my best friends had died suddenly of a heart attack. This man had been like another father to me growing up, and to Bill, he was also a father figure and mentor. Scotty was one of the friendliest people you’d ever met, and he made his opinions known on matters that were most important to him, namely his family and his faith. He was a man of great faith, solid integrity, and a terrific sense of humor.

So how does this relate to SIDS?