Faces of Loss, Faces of Hope

Story of HOPE

Amy ~ Writer, Editor and Speaker

Solomon died March 8, 2000  

Baby Z Abbey, m/c October 23, 2000  

Alison Rachel born August 14, 2001  

Adam Jeremy born March 28, 2003

My son Solomon was born at 19 weeks 6 days gestation after a full pPROM: preterm premature rupture of membranes.  

Something meaningful that I have done to channel my grief is to edit a book on Subsequent Pregnancy After Loss and continue to speak when invited at Pregnancy Loss groups and Pregnancy After Loss groups.  Giving back to others for me is the best way to help myself both to heal and to remember my son Solomon.  

My inspiration was loud and clear.  First, a mom spoke at my support group.  Then the first time I was asked to speak at a loss group, this mom was a co-speaker with me.  For the book, I just had to get it out - I had to write and share my story, especially my subsequent pregnancy stories.  I asked other moms like me to share too, and the book took shape.  Since publishing Journeys: Stories of Pregnancy After Loss in March 2006, I have continued to help when I can.  The whole experience has given me incredible strength and I believe has contributed to my playing a very active role in my children's lives.  

I am doing things that I never previously thought possible.  I was asked most recently to contribute a chapter to yet another book on Stillbirth.  I also host a website called Pregnancy Journeys After Loss (see link below). 

My inner critic gets in the way on occasion.  For example, I have been trying to write a novel for several years.  I am at the rawest part of my story and I have not been able to get past my feelings to put the words on the screen.  

I think I have made a difference in the lives of other moms like me.  Most notably, the first support group I ever spoke at, and at many of the subsequent support groups, I have inspired other moms to be speakers with me.  I see how my having the courage to share my story with the newly bereaved has encouraged other women to share their stories at support groups too.  My husband has nominated me (for my courage, strength and my need to make a difference) for two awards! 

I have been inspired through my grief.  When I was in labor knowing that I would I lose my child, my best friend’s mom called to speak to me.  She said, "Amy, do you know what a vitamin is?  It gives you strength.  I will be your vitamin for today."  Those words still come to my conscious when I need them the most.

A saying that inspires me is:  “What the caterpillar calls the end of life, the butterfly calls the beginning.”

A discount is being offered!  The coupon code at checkout "GAPS" offers a discount on the purchase price of Amy's book.

You can find the book Pregnancy Journeys After Loss and Amy's BLOG by clicking either link.

You can read more about Amy's story on Faces.