Flyer and Press Release

I'm trying hard to get the word out about our Tampa Bay Remembrance Gathering!

The Flyer

Gathering Planned for October 15, National Remembrance Day

The United States has designated October 15 as National Remembrance Day for families who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy or infancy.  In recognition of this day, the community is invited to gather together at Crescent Lake Park in St. Petersburg to participate in an environmentally friendly balloon release in celebration of the short but precious lives of the little ones we so deeply love and desperately miss.  The release will take place promptly at 6:00 PM on Saturday, October 15.  Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow time to write notes to their children on seed paper, which will be handed out along with biodegradable balloons from 5:00-5:45 PM.  Precautions are being taken to ensure that this is an eco-friendly event, so we must insist that nobody brings their own balloons.  This event is free but donations are greatly appreciated.  To register please contact: lauren.e.highfill@gmail.com

This Remembrance Gathering is being held in affiliation with Sweet Pea Project and is hosted by Lauren Highfill Symmes, who is volunteering her efforts in memory of her own beautiful child, Rex Christopher.  Sweet Pea Project, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers comfort, support and gentle guidance to families who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy or infancy, was founded by Stephanie Paige Cole after the death of her daughter Madeline.  Sweet Pea Project is headquartered in Pennsylvania, but reaches out to families across the country and internationally through their blanket and book donation programs.  The official Sweet Pea Project Annual Remembrance Gathering will be happening on the same evening in Lancaster, PA.  For more information on Sweet Pea Project please visit www.sweetpeaproject.org.

Birthday Gift from Rex and Pher!

The boys sent me a double rainbow on my birthday!  Rainbows are cool by themselves, but extra special to me because babies born after a loss are called "Rainbow Babies!"  I took some cell phone pictures, but you can't really see the double rainbow, but it was there and it was beautiful!

"The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears"

After the storm comes the rainbow!

Remembrance Gathering - Tampa Bay

On October 15th, 2011, I am organizing Tampa Bay's 1st ever Remembrance Gathering at Crescent Lake Park in St. Petersburg, Florida. This is partnered with the Sweet Pea Project.

Sweet Pea Project is a non-profit organization created in January 2009 by Stephanie Cole after the death of her daughter, as a way to honor her memory and reach out to other bereaved parents. Through their work, the Sweet Pea Project helps create a more supportive and compassionate community for other families affected by this profound and permanent loss.

October 15th is National Remembrance Day for families who have experienced the death of a baby. In observance of this day, and in honor of all the babies that are so deeply loved and missed, the Sweet Pea Project sponsors an eco-friendly balloon release in celebration of the short but precious lives of the babies we so desperately love and miss. (http://www.sweetpeaproject.org/remember)

If you would like more information, please email me at lauren.e.highfill@gmail.com. 

 

Some pictures from NILMDTS

Some more pictures

We are still waiting on our pictures from NILMDTS, but here are some that were taken with our camera. 

Rex's Original Due Date

Pher's estimated due date (December 19th, 2010) was a really hard day for me.  I spent a lot of time thinking about what could have been and reliving losing him.  Today, August 7th, 2011 - Rex's due date, is not especially more difficult than any other day.  I think I knew from the beginning of his pregnancy that August 7th wouldn't be our target date.  It never really stuck with me like December 19th did.  In fact, on a few occasions during our pregnancy Jon actually had to remind me when Sticky's due date was!  (I kept thinking it was August 11th).  However, it may not be especially more difficult because every day is hard...

I'm sorry that I haven't updated the blog in a while, but there is not much to say.  Our babies are still not here. and we still miss them so much. Unfortunately, I can't even report that my physical recovery has been easy or quick.  Last Monday, I noticed that my incision looked different.  Turned out that it was infected (apparently I hadn't been taking it easy enough).  The doctor had to re-open the incision and now I have a nurse come to our house every day to change the dressing.  This just postpones my recovery even further.  I want more than anything to at least feel like my old physical self again.  I'm finding that I'm very impatient!

However, I am very thankful for all of my wonderful friends and family who have helped me so much over the past few weeks.  I am especially grateful for my wonderful husband.  It helps to have someone to talk to who really understands what you are going through. We try to focus on what Pher and Rex are doing in heaven.  We think they are best friends and are currently sharing their stories to each other.  I do find comfort in knowing that they have each other. 

Thank you to all of your continued support and prayers.  They mean so much to us!

I want to end by sharing a poem with you all.  A friend of mine sent this to me today and it made me smile (and cry, of course!).

What Makes A Mother

I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today
I asked, "What makes a Mother?"
And I know I heard him say
A Mother has a baby
This we know is true
But, God, can you be a mother
When your baby's not with you?
Yes, you can he replied
With confidence in his voice
I give many women babies
When they leave it is not their choice
Some I send for a lifetime
And others for the day
And some I send to feel your womb
But there's no need to stay.

I just don't understand this God
I want my baby here

He took a breath
and cleared his throat
And then I saw a tear
I wish I could show you
What your child is doing Here

If you could see your child smile
With other children and say
"We go to earth to learn our lessons
of love and life and fear,
but My mommy loved me so much
I got to come straight here!"
I feel so lucky to have a Mom who
had so much love for me
I learned my lessons very quickly
My Mommy set me free.
I miss my Mommy oh so much
But I visit her each day
When she goes to sleep
On her pillow is where I lay
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek
And whisper in her ear
"Mommy, Please don't be sad today
I'm your baby and I am here"

So you see my dear sweet one
Your children are okay
Your babies are here in My home
And this is where they'll stay
They'll wait for you with Me
Until your lessons there are through
And on the day that you come home
they'll be at the gates waiting for you

So now you see
What makes a Mother
It's the feeling in your heart
It's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start

~Author Unknown