Resources

 These are the resources that have helped me and I hope they bring you some comfort too.

Websites

Glow in the woods
This was the first resource a good friend turned me to.  It was exactly what I needed at exactly the right time.  This website gave me such comfort, especially in the early days.  It allowed me to go somewhere deep and raw, where I could hurt with other people who knew the hurt.  I needed to go there, and still do.  I find the stories on this page real and full of truth.


Stillborn and still breathing
Through the devastation and darkness of my loss, this blog has pulled me toward some light and inspired me to see the love that Quinn has brought to my life.  I love the way the author talks to her daughter and truly celebrates her.  During my deepest despair, she has brought me some hope. 


How to help a bereaved parent

A Friend in Grief: How to Help a Bereaved Parent
This is a great resource for family in friends.  Many people who love and care may want to help, but they don’t know how.  Or, they don’t know what to say.  If you are a bereaved parent, pass this website along to your family and friends.

Books

Healing your grieving heart after stillbirth

In the early days, I started reading many books, but could only finish one: Healing Your Grieving Heart after Stillbirth by Alan D. Wolfelt & Raelynn Maloney.  This book allows me to just be.  It validates my feelings and allows me to just cry.  In fact, it encourages it.  It also gives so many validating and empowering ideas for parents who are grieving.  This book fills my heart and soul.

After some time had gone by and I regained the strength to get back up and move forward, these books gave me the tools I needed to live my life: 

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

"The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown has changed how I live my life after the stillbirth of my daughter.  She has helped me find meaning in my life and has put me on a path to letting joy back into my life.  I recommend this book for anyone on the planet who has the consciousness to want to live a more "wholehearted" life.  
Her words are real, kind, and honest.  A must read. 


Life Lessons by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler in Life Lessons,” interview the dying and talk about their advice for living.  Who better to learn about living than those who are at the end of their lives?  They give lessons on 14 topics: authenticity, love, relationships, loss, power, guilt, time, fear, anger, play, patience, surrender, forgiveness, and happiness.  If you are given the good fortune to life another day, how are you going to live it? 



Healing After Loss by Martha Whitmore Hickman

"Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief" by Martha Whitmore Hickman has been my friend as I wake up and face the grief again and again, day in and day out.  The book is a collection of brief thoughts that embrace you in your grief.  There is one thought for each day of the year. 

Certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth 

MISS foundation
Hours after the arrival of my daughter Quinn, I asked where the birth certificate paperwork was.  When I learned Quinn would never receive one, I howled and it was like a knife stabbed me through the heart again.  My sister told me of legislation that is approved in many states to file for a “Certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth,” and the information goes on file with the Office for Vital Statistics.

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