I was encouraged to see coverage on the taboo and painful topic of infant loss today, but was concerned it did not address resources available to affected families in the Pioneer Valley.
I had a daughter who lived 126 days with a life-threatening condition called congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). I was able to garner support from amazing organizations, including Empty Arms Bereavement Support of Western Massachusetts.
Residents within our own community may not even be aware there are resources such as Empty Arms that can help families through most difficult times. It was through the words of encouragement, attending bereavement groups, therapy and the love and support of families who faced similar loss that helped me through the most difficult time any parent could experience.
Harper Elaine Yucka was my daughter’s name. While she lived 126 days and passed away due to complications with her medical condition five years ago, the ache and pain never truly goes away. It was the love and support of our local community groups such as Empty Arms that provided a beacon of hope when it was needed most.
As a grieving parent, you may not even know what you need, if anything, to help pull you through the fog of loss that no parent should ever have to face. Speaking your child’s name aloud can be difficult after loss. When asked how many children you have, some grieving parents can feel shame, hurt and saddened when the reaction from strangers is shock and awe upon hearing of your baby’s passing.
Empty Arms provides a safe place to speak your child’s name freely and without reservation and a number of resources to support you along the grieving path. It’s my hope that sharing this information with you today will help others who may have been faced with similar loss know there are people like me and organizations like Empty Arms right in their backyard.
My hope is they may now know, they are not alone.
Lynn Gray
Chicopee