Helping others

Frankie’s Mom wrote something that I have thought myself many times after Raphael’s death:

Francesca inspired me to push far beyond what I thought was possible. I would like to honor her memory by helping others.

I have often thought that I would love to have the opportunity to help moms going through a stillbirth or miscarriage. I have done little things in the past like make small burial shrouds and give the to the hospital so little preemies would have something to be buried in. I hope they were used and helpful. I’m interested in the photography aspects of providing keepsake portraits for families as well.

When my kids (Rosie) is older, I’d like to do something more personal, perhaps even just offering a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen.

It occurs to me that out of all of my life experiences, that is the one experience that will accepted and appreciated with the greatest ease. After all, new moms don’t really want to have help with pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and child care. I read on blog after blog that they consider older women who offer such advice to be buttinskies and “old biddies.” No one IRL seems interested in long-standing marriages or running a large household, or mixing work and homeschooling with housekeeping. Goodness knows there are enough other resources available for those things. But surviving death and grief seems to be the great intangible. People don’t like to talk about it so when it happens to them they don’t know what to do or where to turn. It’s one of those things you sort of have to learn as you go and help or at least understanding and support is eagerly sought.

Perhaps as my Titus 2 vocation will lead me in that direction.

Please browse my eBay items!
Visit my new Amazon Store!