"SHARE"ing is good for the soul!

SHARE is an organization that 

offers support during pregnancy 

& infant loss. This organization 

has blessed me with a lot of support

and fabulous ladies since our 

loss of Connor. I have mentioned

them in passing in a few posts and 

decided it is time I give them more 

of a formal thanks! 

I was introduced to Share in of course not the best of circumstances. The group leader, let's call her R, at our local hospital came to the room to speak to Mike and me, while we were waiting throughout the induction. I had never heard of Share before this time. I wish they were given more publicity. 

While in the hospital, R came to visit us initially and just get a feel for the situation. She came in and with some information, which we put away for the time being. She informed us that she would be there for us as little, or much, as we wanted her to be there. She told me about her loss and listened to what I had to say. She was there to advocate for me as needed. 

Now, when you unexpectedly lose anyone there are a lot of decisions to be made. We were in no shape to power through all the decisions. R helped realize all the choices we would have coming, so that we could chat about it in the bit of time we would get alone. 

R was there with us during Connor's birth. She held my hand and cried with us. She didn't hover, but she supported us in any way we needed. She also told us about the group that meets once a month at the hospital. 

Before we left, she brought us in a few things. She said they aim for no one to go home empty handed, and while it wouldn't replace him, we would have something. 

They gave us this bear: 

Now, while this may seem silly. I'll admit it at first I set it aside and thought I don't want a stupid teddy bear. I want my baby. However, over time, I have came to appreciate this bear. I have slept with it a few times, and it stays by the bed. I don't sleep with it in replacement of Connor. This is the only stuffed animal that Connor ever had his picture taken with. I sleep with it when I'm sad, because it was the only thing that was really close to him. They also gave us a matching one, which Ben keeps in his room.

They gave us this memory box: 

People volunteer and donate these boxes which they have decorated. People donate these little knit hats and blankets. Connor wore this hat and was wrapped in this blanket, and wore the little dinosaur outfit my sister picked up for him. These are items I have that were close to him. I have the special box to keep them in.

I've gone to three meetings now. The third was last night. I can't believe it has been over three months since we have lost Connor already. These woman are very inspiring and they can relate. I don't know if every group is as "good" as our local group, but I would like to think so. No matter what your situation you can find support. No matter what time during your pregnancy you experienced your loss, you can find someone to relate to. 

They are organizing a walk for October. This is the walk on which we will adorn the Connor's Crew shirts. I'm sure I will post more great things about this organization as time goes on, and I for sure want to become more active in the group. For now, I wanted to give them a little shout out though, and let people know they are out there.