Introducing Personalized Memorial Keepsake Ornaments!
Most of my blog "fans" know my history, but for visitors who don't, in August 2005 I said both hello and goodbye to my firstborn — a son named Ryan. He lived for just 54 hours and passed away from complications stemming from congenital heart defects. We didn't know until his birth that anything was wrong so it came as quite a shock to be told he was not only sick, but that he could only survive with either a heart transplant or a series of open-heart surgeries. Unfortunately he never made it to that first surgery, which had been scheduled when he would've been just four days old.
In the nearly seven years since Ryan's passing, I've struggled at finding peace with what happened to him and how my life will never been the same. At times the path to healing has presented other obstacles, making it even harder to accept how vastly different my life is versus what I thought it would be. No one ever expects to face this sort of tragedy so there is no way to prepare or know where the journey to recovery and healing would lead. It can be frightening and scary to face a new "normal" and to find a new place and purpose in the world after your dream has been shattered.
As I've navigated my way through my grief and healing, I have discovered that reaching out to other baby loss moms has been the most profound way for my wounded heart to heal. Contrary to what many on the outside would think, being surrounded by other women who've experienced a similar tragedy is therapeutic in many ways. There's no need to explain the "why's" behind the feelings that never quite go away and reappear suddenly when least expected. There's no need for facades or having to fib to loved ones' repeated question of, "Are you okay?" when you are feeling like anything but "okay." It is a sisterhood like none other and yet, it's a "club" that no one ever wants to join. But it also provides a support system that could rival even the most renowned and seasoned of therapists, because the only people who truly "get it" are the ones who've walked this sometimes lonely and isolating path
During last year's holiday season, a fellow baby loss mom shared an ornament idea that struck an immediate chord with me. Most mothers who lose a child cherish anything with their baby's name, myself included. We are left with so few reminders of our babies that I just knew I had to make two for a good friend — another loss mom — who was experiencing her first major holiday without her twins. I had hoped that the ornaments would be received well and soothe her aching heart ever-so-slightly, as I wanted her to have something tangible that included her children's names, as well as a way to honor their memory each holiday season when she brings out the Christmas decorations.
I held my breath as she slowly peeled away the delicate blue and pink tissue paper that held each ornament, not knowing how she would feel about such bittersweet gifts. I was unprepared for just how well they would be received, and thankfully my friend's teary expression conveyed her gratitude perfectly and I instantly knew I had made the right decision to give them to her.
I shared pictures of the ornaments and the story with an online support group and was overcome by the positive response. Many of the moms from that group wanted one to celebrate their own lost babies too, and before I knew it, I had half a dozen requests, with offers to pay me to make the ornaments!
It was truly a labor of love to piece together these mementos and I took great comfort in knowing they would be appreciated beyond words. And that's when I realized I didn't want to this to be just a holiday project; I wanted to reach out to other parents who have made this unexpected journey of child loss, too.
Initially, I didn't know how to turn this into a reality and to connect with other parents on a broader scale. I decided to reach out to Robyn Bear, founder of the "Remembering Our Babies" website and memorial boutique, to see if there was an interest in these type of ornaments and to my sheer surprise, she agreed the need was there and was happy to list them among the other pieces in her memorial boutique.
With that, I've decided to redirect and relabel my business to include gifts as well, and the addition of the ornaments is the official kick-off to that endeavor.
Each 2-5/8" glass ornament is filled with a personalized tag which rests on a bed of white feathers. There is a two-line maximum on the tag, with a maximum of 15 characters on each line. Each topper ribbon includes a white iridescent ribbon, along with the choice of another accent color (see image below). I made one for Ryan and while it was a welcomed addition to last year's Christmas tree, another loss mom shared that she hung hers by the window to catch the sunlight, so they can be used beyond just the holidays.
Thanks for stopping by and please e-mail me at heartstringsann@aol.com for any questions on customization or colors, and thanks to the many friends and family out there who have shown me/us unending support and encouragement through everything. Without that, I never could have made it through the heartache to arrive where I am today.
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