Loving Through Loss: Day 2

Now that I've covered my heart behind why I chose this topic, I thought it might be nice to outline what the month will look like, as well as have a place for all the posts to be linked back to for future reference.

First, let me preface by saying I love organization. Even in the past when I have written here, I have found myself sticking to specific posts on certain days. So when I began thinking about Write 31 Days, I wasn't surprised when I started thinking in seven categories (one for each day of the week).

Starting tomorrow, Saturday, I plan on sticking to the following schedule:

Saturday // encouragement
Sunday // scripture
Monday // tangible support
Tuesday // grace
Wednesday // resources
Thursday // emotional support
Friday // blog shares

Some of the topics I will be sharing could go in a couple categories, but I tried to choose the category that I felt it fit best in. As I wrote yesterday, I am sharing these from my perspective of losing a child, but I feel like a lot of the tips + encouragement can be applied to other losses as well.

Lastly, as a reference, this post will also serve as a place to reference all the posts for the month in one place (see below).

Day 1: an introduction
Day 2: a look at the month ahead (this post!)
Day 3: it's okay to feel like your loss is the only loss
Day 4: Psalm 43:1-4
Day 5: loving through meals
Day 6: have grace for those who will say silly things
Day 7: "Loving Through Loss" online class
Day 8: call loss what it actually is...
Day 9: Diana Stone's story at Diana Wrote
Day 10: each loss is just that... equally a loss
Day 11: 1 Peter 4:12-13
Day 12: keepsakes
Day 13: fearing reactions
Day 14: Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep
Day 15: survivor's guilt
Day 16: Diana La Counte's story at Our City Lights
Day 17: God is sad with us
Day 18: Habakkuk 1:5
Day 19: check-ins + important dates
Day 20: grace when life goes on
Day 21: After The Loss website
Day 22: tell them how much you miss the person they've lost
Day 23: Heather Spohrs' story at The Spohrs Are Multplying
Day 24: there is no right amount of time to grieve
Day 25: Romans 8:38-39
Day 26: listen

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Loving Through Loss: Day 1

A little over three years ago, our lives changed in an instant.

As first time parents, going in for our 20-week ultrasound, we were over the moon with anticipation to see our child for the first time. But within 24 hours, we were no longer just thinking "we're having a girl!" and instead were faced with decisions that no parent should ever have to make.

In short: our daughter, Charlotte, was diagnosed with a lethal form of skeletal dysplasia and was not expected to live through birth. For more of her story, you can read about Charlotte's life. After weeks of praying and researching and praying some more, we said hello AND goodbye to Charlotte, after nine beautifully hard days with her.

I wish I could tell you it was all uphill from there, but that would be a lie. I recall a lot of dark moments, simply trying to survive hour-to-hour, day-to-day and even that was too hard sometimes. So where did I find comfort? The Internet.

Yeah, probably seems weird, but since no one close to us had ever been through this type of loss before, I found myself reading other blogs to find reassurance that the sun would rise again. And now, almost three years later, I find myself praying the next 31 days brings information, encouragement, and a big "you're not alone" to those that come across this space.

So whether you're in the middle of a season of loss, just got out of one, or want to know how to help someone close to you, please join me as we navigate loving through loss.

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Stitch Fix (Lucky) #15

Market & Spruce Girona Eyelet Detail Top detail

This fix was magical!

For two years now, I've been receiving curated boxes from Stitch Fix and this one was the first that I ended up keeping ALL! FIVE! ITEMS! (and thankfully it wasn't too expensive thanks to credits & the 'buy all 5' discount)

Stitch Fix may be for you, if...
1. you don't like shopping for yourself OR
2. you are looking for items you might not pick out for yourself

I don't know about you, but my favorite part about Stitch Fix is how easy it is --- delivered right to your door, you get to try it on with the clothes you already own, and shipping back is as simple as it comes.

Have you tried Stitch Fix yet? Share your tips in the comments section below.
 

And now to a breakdown of the pieces I received in fix #15:

[left] Market & Spruce Girona Eyelet Detail Top + Papermoon Remmie Printed Maxi Skirt

[right] Liverpool Paley Lace Printed Denim Short

 

[left] THML Kahlo Knit Top

[right] Street Level Morris Braided Handle Tote

I was not compensated for my thoughts, but I have included a referral link in case you would like to try Stitch Fix yourself