Mother`s Day 2010 Edition

healing hearts
newsletter
Mother’s Day Special
In This Issue
Page 2
*Mother’s Day Raffle
Page 3
* Coping with
Mother’sDay
Comfort & Healing for Broken Hearts
Page 4 & 5
* Messages of Love
Bears Of Hope offers support and guidance for parents who have experienced the
loss of their baby during pregnancy, birth or infancy. Through the donation of a
bear of hope, parents are provided with the comfort of knowing they are not alone
from the very beginning, and offered significant ongoing support to heal their
broken hearts.
Page 6
* A Special Tribute
Page 7
* Recognition of Life
Certificate
This includes loss through miscarriage, genetic interruption, multiple loss, stillbirth, * Donating A Bear Of
Hope
neo-natal & infant death.
Page 8
* Support Services
Welcome
Page 9
* Volunteers
* Donations
To all our readers, if this is the first time If you are in Sydney our face to face
* Subscriptions
you are reading Healing Hearts I am
terribly sorry for your loss. We understand
how difficult special days are after losing
our much loved baby, and Mother’s Day
is certainly no exception. There are some
ideas in our ‘Coping with Mother’s Day’
article that may help you make the day
special.
support group is on this coming Friday
and is a place filled with support and
encouragement. These are a casual
gathering of bereaved parents and your
involvement in the evening is at your
discretion.
May each of you be filled with a sense of
love and peace this Mother's Day
Be sure to speak to those around you knowing that each of you are being
that you love and trust and know that smiled on by the angels.
we are here for you through our private
online support groups to listen and With hope
Toni & Amanda
support you as you need.
Mother’s Day Special 2010
Hope to fill your heart
Hope sees the invisible,
feels the intangible,
and achieves the
impossible
www.bearsofhope.org.au
Thank you to everyone who supported our Sydney Mother’s Day Raffle.
The Sydney Raffle was drawn at 3pm on Saturday 1st May at Castle Towers Shopping Centre, Castle Hill.
We estimate that we have raised $4,000
Below are the very lucky winners!
1st Prize WINNER - R.PARTRIDGE (Hunter Valley)
Ticket Yellow Spades F48
3 nights accommodation at Angourie Rainforest
Resort Yamba, NSW in a 2 bedroom deluxe villa for 2
adults and 2 children.
Donated by Angourie Rainforest Resort
Value $645.00. Expires 3rd Feb 2011.
2nd Prize WINNER - C.KOUNAVIS (Sydney)
Ticket Yellow Stars E03
Sunbeam Stainless Deep Fryer, George Foreman
Digital Steamer, Wiltshire Large Gourmet Butcher
Block, Wiltshire Staysharp Stainless Capped Knife
Block Set, Wiltshire Easybake Deep Roast Pan with
Rack, Wiltshire Easybake Large Roast Pan, Sunbeam
Carveasy Professional Electric Knife EK5600
Donated by Hamper King
Value $464
3rd Prize WINNER - J.BARKBY (Sydney)
Ticket Blue Clubs A54
Wiltshire White Dinner Set & Wiltshire 56 Piece Eden
Cutlery Set
Donated by Hamper King
Value $209.95
4th Prize WINNER - K.COLLINS (Hunter Valley)
Ticket Yellow Spades F66
Sunbeam Carveasy Electric Knife EK3800Donated by Betta Electrical Singleton
Value $49
Thank you to our
raffle helpers
Thank you to everyone who supported our Dubbo Mother’s Day Raffle.
The Dubbo Raffle was drawn at 4pm on Saturday 24 April at Dubbo City Centre.
We raised $422.55 in the raffle and sold $50 worth of
Bears Of Hope. We were very pleased with how our
day progressed, with a special thank you to Angela
Muller, Melanie Moore and Emily Moore for their
great effort and time on the day. Emily’s smile drew
quite a few people to our table.
Kerrie Wattus with one of
the gift packs in her prize
From Left Piper
Muller (9 months),
Angela Muller and
Melanie Moore
Thank you to everyone who has supported us both
with the raffle and through our support group.
Thank you to the following local businesses for their
donation of our lucky day prize which consisted of:
Ros Troy – Nutrimetics Consultant – Skin Care Gift Box
Talk of the Town Hair Salon – Hair Pampering Voucher
Priceline Pharmacy Dubbo – Pamper Hamper
Harvey Norman Electrical Dubbo - $50 gift voucher
Darrell Lea Dubbo – Chocolates
Large Cane Wash Basket – Angela Muller
Mother’s Day Special 2010
Our lucky winner was Kerrie Wattus
of Tamworth who was very pleased
with her Mothers Day Pamper
collection.
2
Emily Moore and
Melanie Moore
www.bearsofhope.org.au
Coping with Mother’s Day
Anticipating and facing Mother’s Day after the loss of your baby, can be challenging. A time when you should be
celebrating, becomes a time of remembering, yearning, painful stabs in the heart, and thinking about all the “what
ifs” and “should have beens” instead. Not only is your precious baby not here with you, but witnessing the
celebration and joy in other families can make it even more heartbreaking.
Many parents have found that the lead up to certain special dates is worse than on the actual day. We almost fear
that day, not knowing how we will cope; not wanting to feel more pain than we already are. Your anxiety may
increase, you may experience sleepless nights, you may worry over how to perfectly plan the day to honour your
baby.
Through planning the day though, Mother’s Day can also be a beautiful one. Performing certain rituals to get through
these special dates may provide comfort and healing to your hurting soul, by giving you some tangible purpose in your
day. The way you wish to remember your baby is completely unique to you. Whether you are on your own, or are
surrounded by family & friends, this is a time for you and your baby. Here are some ideas you might like to think about
to help you get through Mother’s Day.
* Donate a bear to Bears Of Hope in honour of your angel
* Release a balloon – perhaps inscribe a message on it before doing so
* Light a candle throughout the day
* Write a poem – perhaps read it at a special place during the day
* Visit the cemetery – place fresh flowers, light a candle,
* Have a special place to go to for breakfast, lunch or dinner each year
* Go for a walk – along the beach, through a park, drawing on the beauty of nature to soothe your soul
* Write a letter to your baby – in a special diary
* Plant a special flower or plant
* Buy or create a special piece of jewellery to wear– perhaps add to your Pandora bracelet
* Create a scrapbook page
* Listen to some music that will offer comfort and hope
Some of you may be questioning whether you really are a mother, perhaps because you experienced an early loss.
No matter how far you were when your baby went to heaven, you will always be a mother to this baby. Below is a
poem that many have drawn great comfort from.
We hope that you are able to find some calm in your day, as you remember and feel the love you have for your
baby. Draw your strength from the beautiful memories of your pregnancy and/or time spent with your baby, support
networks and knowing that you are not alone. If you are already a member of our online support group, please
know you are more than welcome to share your feelings and thoughts, and know that we are only a fingertip away
for support.
WHAT MAKES A MOTHER?
I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today.
I asked what makes a mother;
And I know I heard him say:
I wish I could show you
What your child is doing today.
If you could see your child smile
With other children and say...
So you see, my dear sweet one,
Your children are okay.
Your babies are here in My home,
And this is where they'll stay.
A mother has a baby
This we know is true.
But God, can you be a mother
When your baby's not with you?
"We go to earth to learn our lessons
Of love and life and fear
My Mummy loved me oh so much,
I got to come straight here.
They'll wait for you, with Me
Until your lesson there is through,
And on the day that you come home
They'll be at the gates for you.
Yes, you can, He replied
With confidence in His voice.
I give many women babies;
When they leave is not their choice.
"I feel so lucky to have a Mum
Who had so much love for me;
I learned my lesson very quickly,
My Mummy set me free.
Some I send for a lifetime
And others for a day.
And some I send to feel your womb;
But there's no need to stay.
"I miss my Mummy oh so much
But visit her each day.
When she goes to sleep,
On her pillow there I lay.
So now you see what makes a
mother;
It's the feeling in your heart.
It's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start.
I just don't understand this, God
I want my baby here!
He took a breath and cleared His
throat,
And then I saw a tear.
"I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek
And whisper in her ear;
"Mummy don't be sad today,
I'm your baby and I'm here."
Mother’s Day Special 2010
3
Though some on earth may not
realize,
Until their time is done.
Remember all the love you have
And know that you are a
SPECIAL MUM!
www.bearsofhope.org.au
Messages of Love
I would like to acknowledge the first
Mother’s Day for my daughter, Laura who
lost her baby twin boys last June. From her
mum and dad – Neil and Sharron Lewis.
To our darling daughter, Laura,
It is so agonisingly difficult to acknowledge
the pain you have felt losing your beautiful
baby boys, Lachlan and Nathaniel but we
want you to know that our love and
support are with both you and Alex on this
day and always An Angel with the Book of Life
wrote down your babies birth
And whispered as she closed the Book
“too beautiful for this earth”
Dear Little Peter Rabbit,
You made mummy such a happy mummy
in her own world, and all was taken away
ever so quickly.
Living without you has been exceptionally
hard and the pain remains. I try to think
and convince myself that you are happy, I
just wish that you would give me a sign.
I will always love and miss you, you are
always in my heart and in my mind.
Mother's Day just does not seem to be
justified as I do not have you in my arms.
Time does not wait, and here we are nearly
a year on. I am trying my best as my heart
aches for you, I hope that I do you proud.
Happy Mothers Day Mummy
A kiss to you on Mother's day,
a hug from me to you.
I know that you are sad sometimes,
I know that you are blue.
Please wipe away that tear,
and put on a happy face.
For I'm with the stars now,
and oh, Mummy, what a wonderful place!
I was given wings so I could fly,
they are white with a hint of blue.
I'm a big boy Mummy, with these wings of mine
they carry me down to visit you.
I am learning how to catch your prayers,
prayers that come as wishes.
Your wish is the same everyday,
a wish that I could have stayed.
I have a prayer for you now Mummy,
I pray that you will hear.
I have no pain or fear.
For I am an Angel now you see,
I watch over you each night and day.
A little piece of Heaven on earth,
guiding you on your way.
I come to tuck you in each night,
as you wanted to do with me.
I hear your prayers and kiss your cheek,
and then I watch you dream.
Before I leave you and go back home,
I look at you and sigh.
And as I fly back to Heaven
I sing you a lull-a-bye.
A kiss to you on Mother's Day,
a hug from me to you.
I love you Mummy, please don't cry,
you'll get to hold me soon.
Love always, your mummy forever xxxxxxxxx
For James,
Mothers day will be lonely
and I'll wonder if only
you were here with me
what could be.
Today I'll think of you
and hope its not true
While i wish for your hugs
as my heart tugs.
"Somewhere there is a field of lovely Forget Me Nots,
Delicate blooms for lives lost too soon, Echoing Forget Me
Not."
I hope Grandma in heaven is holding you tight for me on
Mother's Day. I miss you.
Love Mummy xxx x
To our darling little Owen,
In your own special way
you'll be here with us
Celebrating our Mother’s day.
Even though you are not here on earth we know you are up
there smiling down today. We hope you are having lots of
fun with all your angel friends.
In Memory of
~Sienna Mary Rees~
17.11.2009
We both miss you so much.
All our love Mummy & Daddy xxx
Mother’s Day Special 2010
4
www.bearsofhope.org.au
Messages of Love
To my angel girls, Karoline and Katherine
As the autumn winds blows gently in the star lit sky tonight,
I sit and I wonder which one your playing on tonight
My mind starts to wander and the tears begin to flow,
My child is so far away do you really know.
Do you know how much I love you, or how I miss you both so?
You know my life is different and I never wanted to let you go?
You know my heart is aching and there’s apart that will never heel
Do you know how much I long to hold you both and kiss your tiny lips
Do you hear my whispers and see all my tears, do you know?
But as the wind dries the tears that sit upon my cheek,
The moon shines it light upon the clouds, telling to take a peek,
Then I know you are in heaven and the angels hold you tight.
You know how much I love you and you get my kisses each and every night
That there’s no need to worry as you are always with me,
I just have to close my eyes gently and listen to the wind.
Love always, Mummy xx
My beautiful baby girl Imogene-Kate,
2 years ago I met you, a tiny heartbeat on the screen. A mother of 5 I was to
become, a mother of twins, a dream come true. For 38 weeks I nurtured you
and your twin brother Tobias, for 38 weeks I felt your tiny kicks, your
hiccoughs, heard your heartbeat and smiled when I saw you on the
ultrasound screen, pushing against Tobias with your hands, already playing
together. 18mths ago, we said goodbye, much sooner than I ever planned.
My heart still lays broken, my arms still ache to hold you, my eyes pain to see
your smile. I am honoured to be your mum, I am honoured you picked me. Thankyou for helping me be the mum I am, for making me a mum of 5
beautiful children, a prouder mum I could not be. I love you so much, and
carry you in my heart every moment of every day. Love you baby girl,
Mumma xxxxxxx This Mother's day will be our first without you
And we know you'll be watching from the beautiful skies in heaven
You'll always be in my heart forever
As your first anniversary is nearing it will be the hardest day for us
Time will help us but you'll never be forgotten
In the little time we had with you for on this day god chose you
We lost our precious son and gained a beautiful angel
Happy 1st Birthday
Jackson Mark Bunker
11th June 2009
We miss & love you forever & ever
Mark, Tracey, & Lachlan
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
To my darling angels Rhys, Jordyn, Cooper & Kaitlyn, Jacinta & Madelin, &
James, I live with you all in my heart each day and my love for you all is as
strong as ever. Although so many years are between us, Mother's Day
remains the hardest day to face. Drawing on my beautiful memories of you
all during this time. Loving you for ever and ever, Lots of love mummy (Toni)
Mother’s Day Special 2010
5
A Mother's Day Poem
For Mothers Who Carry Their
Children In Their Heart,
Rather Than In Their Arms
So many months
I carried you
and I couldn't wait to see
What a wonderful
a little person
you would turn out to be.
I had my dreams
of how it would be
just to watch you grow
But now those
dreams are faded
because I shall never know.
For God in His great wisdom
looked from
His throne above
And saw how
beautiful you were,
so He carried you
away with love
Now the rocking chair
sits silent
and the lullabies
won't be voiced
But in heaven
there's a celebration
as all of the angels rejoice.
My tears,
they won't be quiet,
they flow like a river roars
And I know my life is forever
changed-to be the same no more.
I must be a special mother
because I have
been set apart
Some mothers carry their
children in their arms,
but I carry you in my heart.
For Cooper,
Another year and another
Mother’s Day without you.
The pain is now bearable
but it still hurts and the tears
continue to flow. We get
through the day knowing
that you are still around us.
You are forever in our hearts
and dreams and we miss
you more and more each
day.
Love Nathan, Lynn, Ethan &
Tahnee
www.bearsofhope.org.au
~Bradie Kevin Patrick Moore~
Born Sleeping 24th May 2004 - Due 25th May 2004
You never got to run or play
You never got to laugh or cry
You never took a single breath
& We never got to say goodbye
Its been 6 years since you came & went
Still these question 'why oh why'
Broken dreams and broken hearts
As our beautiful angel passed us by.
I feel pain when I see a little boy your age,
My heart still shatters for the things you didn't do
You & your siblings should be here together,
I should be cuddling all of you.
My arms still ache, wanting to circle you
My mind still struggles denying this is truth
My eyes still sting and cheeks are no less wetter
They say time heals, but I know better.
Our Sweetest Bradie
Wishing you a happy 6th Birthday in Heaven our Precious Little Man
We think of you always and wish you were here..
Endless Love, Mummy, Daddy Brilea, Emily, Harvey & Kenzie xxxxxx
Mother’s Day Special 2010
6
www.bearsofhope.org.au
Recognition of Life Certificate
In Australia, the birth of a baby is formally recognized by the Government from 20
weeks gestation with a birth certificate. Bears Of Hope have created a Recognition of
Life Certificate for parents who experience a loss prior to 20 weeks gestation. There are
two choices of certificate available and are a beautiful way to display, honour and
remember your baby. To view these certificates or order your own go to http://
www.bearsofhope.org.au/a/226.html
There is a $15 donation applied to these certificates to help cover the cost of printing
and postage
‘Bears Of Hope’ Drive for Mother’s Day
If you are looking for a special way to honour your
~baby~ or someone else's dear to you, you might like to
organise a Bears Of Hope Drive this Mother’s Day.
For every $25 you raise, we will donate a Bear Of Hope
to a hospital to give to a newly grieving family, in honour
of your baby.
Our Bear Of Hope Drive is set up through GoFundraise,
an online fundraising initiative. It is easy and completely
FREE to set up your fundraising page. Also, it is an
effective way of raising more money by sending an
email with the link to all your contacts to help you in
your efforts.
Start your Bear Of Hope Drive here
http://bearsofhope.gofundraise.com.au
A huge thankyou to those who are currently holding an
online ‘Bear of Hope’ drive and we wish you all the best in
achieving your goal.
Donating A Bear Of Hope In Honour Of Your Baby
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Bears Of Hope are now fading out traditional teddy
bears to only be donating our exclusive Sophie Bear to parents. We encourage
you to purchase a Bear Of Hope through our website so that parents are
receiving a bear that clearly represents our program and is mainstreamed
across Australia.
Please understand that this has become necessary to avoid the donation of
inappropriate bears and to also clearly distinguish our own bears. We are very
excited to have launched such a beautiful bear of hope and have received
wonderful feedback since its inception.
You can purchase a Bear Of Hope for yourself, as a gift, or to
donate in honour of your baby (or someone else’s) to a hospital
through http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/a/204.html
Mother’s Day Special 2010
7
www.bearsofhope.org.au
Sydney Support Group
Online Support Groups
Bears Of Hope have established
five online support groups. We
encourage you to join and make
connections to help you find
comfort and healing during this
time. We hope these support
Our Sydney Support group is now a free support service for our families.
groups will create an inner peace
and strength as you progress
Support, Scrap & Chat nights are held the first Friday of every month with
through your grief.
Support, Scrap & Chat nights are held monthly where you can meet other
bereaved parents, talk with others that may have had a similar
experience and to scrapbook memories of your little angel. You do not
need experience in scrapbooking and you are welcome to attend for
support and chat as there is no obligation to scrapbook.
the next group on Friday 7 May 2010, 7.00-10.00pm at Fantasia Bella Vista
(where the M2 meets M7) Unit H145, 24-32 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista NSW For Mums
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/
2153. group/bearsofhope
Directions - http://www.fantasia.com.au/directions_bellavista.htm
Information or to RSVP, please email Amanda@bearsofhope.org.au
Please note there may be other bereaved mums that are in a subsequent pregnancy that attend.
This is an informal gathering of bereaved parents – neither Bears Of Hope, its management nor its
members will be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of, or in any way related to the evening
For Dads
http://au.groups.yahoo.com/
group/bearsofhopedads
For Pregnancy After Loss
http://au.groups.yahoo.com/
group/bearsofhopepals
For Parenting After Loss
http://au.groups.yahoo.com/
group/
These groups are open to all parents who have experienced the loss of bearsofhopeparentingafterloss
Regional Support Groups
their baby before, during or after birth.
For Family & Friends
http://au.groups.yahoo.com/
group/
bearsofhopefamilyandfriends
Dubbo Region
Venue: CWA Hall
Address: 83 Wingewarra Street Dubbo
Time:
7:00pm
Dates: 13 May, 10 June
RSVP:
Mel on 0407 967 529 or email krisandmel@bigpond.com or Ang We now offer home visits in Sydney
on 02 6885 3867.
selected areas and the Hunter
Grandparents welcome. Light supper provided
Region,. We are looking to
Support Services
Hunter Region
Venue: Singleton Community Health Centre
Address: Boonal St, Singleton
Time:
10am-12pm
Dates: 1st Tuesday of the month - 4th May, 1st June
RSVP:
Toni@bearsofhope.org.au or 0400475012 or
Kate Gore 0418715518
Morning tea provided.
The Central Coast
Venue: CWA Rooms
Address: 1 Pacific St Long Jetty (The Entrance)
Time:
10am-12pm
Date:
3rd Sunday of the month 16th May, 20th June, 18th July, 15th Aug
RSVP:
Emmalenesutherland@yahoo.com.au or 0412563446
ACT Region
Venue: Downer Community Centre (East Room)
Address: Frencham Place, Downer ACT
Time:
10am - 12pm
Dates: 1st Sunday of the month.
RSVP:
Rebecca on 0409035583 or rebecca.clack@hotmail.com or
Nataly on 0416627540 or cnnobile@hotmail.com
Mother’s Day Special 2010
8
strengthen our support services by
expanding support groups across
NSW and the ACT. If you would like
to donate your time and set up a
support group or coffee & chat
mornings in your local area, please
email
contact@bearsofhope.org.au.
Contact Us
Website
www.bearsofhope.org.au
Contact Details
Toni Tattis
Ph: 0400 475 012
Toni@bearsofhope.org.au
Amanda Bowles
Ph: 0439 643 203
Amanda@bearsofhope.org.au
PO Box 352
Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768
Editor
Lynn Jenkins
editor@bearsofhope.org.au
www.bearsofhope.org.au
How Can You Help Bears Of Hope
If you are thinking "How can I help Bears Of Hope?" you might like to organise a garage sale or if you have
any other great ideas on how to raise money for Bears Of Hope, we would love to hear from you. Please
contact Toni@bearsofhope.org.au and we can send you an authority to fundraise application form.
Donations
Volunteers
Bears Of Hope can only continue with the support of
the community through monetary and bear
donations. We always donate traditional teddy
bears that are new and we actively fundraise
throughout the year to ensure we can support as
many families as we can. Sadly we donate over
1000 bears a year and yet there are always more
bears needed. If you would like to make a donation
in memory of your baby or someone else’s, please
feel free to get in touch with us. Your donation may
have a profound impact on another family’s life.
Bears Of Hope volunteers help us raise awareness of
pregnancy and infant loss and the importance of
support within the community. Our volunteers help us
raise funds through selling chocolates, sourcing
sponsorship, or holding teddy drives.
There are many ways in which volunteers can help
and if you feel you can offer even just a small
contribution, you can be assured that you will touch
another family’s heart.
Subscription
Bears Of Hope produces a quarterly newsletter with information about specific loss or grief topics, current
events, opportunities to support us and a special place for parents to share their story with others. We invite
you to include poetry and tributes for your angels or ideas and ways that you have overcome stages of
your grief journey in order to help others through. Please email editor@bearsofhope.org.au
You can subscribe to our newsletter by emailing subscribe@bearsofhope.org.au or fill in the information
below, tear off and send to Bears of Hope, PO Box 352, Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768.
Subscription for emailed newsletters is complimentary however newsletters that are printed and posted are
$15 per annum (includes 4 newsletters).
Details
Name:
Address:
Suburb:
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Postcode
Telephone:
Email:
I wish to receive the newsletter via email
I wish to receive the newsletter via post (please fill in details below)
Cheque - please make payable to Bears of Hope
Direct Deposit – Please include your name
Account Name - Bears of Hope
Account Number – 139558
BSB – 032-164
Mail form to Bears of Hope, PO Box 352, Stanhope Gardens, NSW 2768
Mother’s Day Special 2010
9
www.bearsofhope.org.au