Making a Connection through Loss

It started in my inbox with my monthly Grief Watch Newsletter arriving late yesterday afternoon. I scrolled down to find a quote that truly spoke to the way I feel as a bereaved mother. 
The way I feel every day.  
The silent pain and sadness that I hold in my heart, while I work, while I’m alone, while I’m with my boys, and even while I smile and laugh…it’s never gone.

After reading the quote, my first thought was about Jennifer White.  Jennifer is a mother who I was fortunate to meet this past weekend at Blissdom Canada, to not only hear about losing her sweet Princess Olivia so suddenly, but also to learn about how she too felt that by giving back she was able to honour her daughter and help others just as I had with Zack’s Dream Room. Listening to her speak to emotions that are so similar to my own and as raw as the day we lost, Zack, was heartbreaking. As she spoke, my eyes filled with tears, memories rushed back and my stomach was churning as I held back sobs. When it was over, I just had to meet her, hug her and tell her that I understood. After a brief meeting in the room where she spoke, we were able to have some time together just before she left. Taking the time to share sweet memories of our children, laughing at the things they loved, discussing the impact of our loss on the siblings left behind and how we get up each and every morning to face another day without our angels.

Credit: Anna Epp Photography

I wanted to share the quote that I had found, with Jennifer, so I posted it on Facebook and ask our mutual friend, Shannon, to share it with her and let her know I was thinking of her.