Sufficient Grace Ministries

Today, I want to share what I have received yesterday from Kelly's Organization-- Sufficient Grace Ministries for Women. I received both Comfort Bear and Dreams of You Memory Book. I felt so happy and blessed to receive such wonderful keepsake. Holding the bear makes me think about my baby Alanna. The bear feel so soft on my skin like a baby. It just felt so different when you hug the bear. I guess that's why they call it "comfort bear". I had to hold my tears when I opened the huge box. At first I was successful but then when I started reading the memory books contents (comforting scripture from the Bible, inspirational poems, as well as Kelly’s personal story of loss, grief, hope and healing) my tears were just rolling down.  

When my 6-year old daughter arrived from school, she started hugging the bear and instantly fell in love with it. She started putting bracelets and princess crown on it. I just can't help imagining that bear to be her little baby sister.♥♥♥ She was all smiles playing with the bear. 

To Kelly and the members of the Sufficient Grace Ministries-- thank you, thank you so much for everything you've sent me. What you are doing is really amazing.

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Comfort Bears were created by Kathy Rutter in 2005 for grieving mothers to have something to hold to ease the ache of empty arms. Kathy created each one with a grandmother’s love and prayers. After a valiant battle with cancer, Kathy went home to heaven in October of 2006. Today her legacy continues as the Helping Hands Ministry gathers to sew the bears, sending a grandmother’s love and prayers along with each one.

 

"The Dreams of You Memory Book was created for mothers and families who have lost a baby. It includes places for parents to journal the dreams they had for their baby, their journey of loss and healing, letters to baby, pages to record the baby’s statistics, memorial service, baptism, footprints, mementos, etc. Also included are inspirational poems and comforting scripture from the Bible, as well as the author’s personal story of loss, grief, hope and healing."

MY OWN Comfort Bear and Dreams of You Book

Me after opening the box from Sufficient Grace Ministries
Sorry I just finished crying on this picture-- such a mess

Maura Lynn's Baby Loss Memorial Blocks

First thing first I love getting things with Alanna's name on it. For those who have known me, you probably know that I am so obsessed with it. I am planning to make our glass cabinet in our basement as Alanna's cabinet as my mini-shadow-cabinet that I have in my room is already filling up fast. I just can't decide because I don't want to put her things in the basement and I think that glass cabinet is very heavy to be lifted up in our bedroom... still debating.

Today, I want to share what I have gotten in the mail last week! It finally came! Maura Lynn's Baby Loss Memorial Block for my Alanna. I was so excited to open it as it was shaped as a block when it came and I knew that it was the one I have requested. I think what they do is a great way to honor baby Maura Lynn. They also provide direction and support in the PAIL Community. I know I will always remember baby Maura Lynn, I feel happy that my baby Alanna is not alone and found another friend-- Maura Lynn. ♥♥

To request, donate, or read what they do to honor Maura Lynn Shafer please check their site at http://maurasmission.com

Again, thank you for the wonderful Memorial Block for my Alanna Phoebe.

In Our Hearts Photo Pendants

Look what I got in the mail this week?!

I have few pictures of Alanna so for every website that I encounter who can make them into something special I try my very best to get them, my means of remembering her. I regret I only have few pictures of her but I am still glad that those few pictures I have can be made into something special like this "in our heart photo pendants."♥♥♥

Today I want to share In Our Hearts Photo Pendants that was created in honor of Madelyn Rebecca and Noah Benjamin as a way to memorialize the babies/children and loved ones who have left this world too soon. In Our Hearts Photo Pendants provides memorial pendants to parents (or other family members) who have lost a baby/child. For parents who do not have photos of their child, Celia can also create a pendant with your child's name or other design or symbol for your special child. For more information you can find  Celia on her Facebook page and they also have a Website. 

From Celia @  In Our Hearts Photo Pendants

I was expecting smaller ones but they are big and I LOVE it ~!♥♥♥

Something I can add on Alanna's Shadow box cabinet.
I might give one or 2 to someone
I'm not sure yet

Capture Your Grief, Day 25: Baby Shower/Blessing

We were not expecting Alanna to come out at 28-weeks, so I did not really had a baby shower. I am sharing though a picture of the only thing that I have received early for Alanna. Baby clothes that came from the Philippines from my niece Rose("Lot-Lot"). I actually ask her to buy me these things and told her that I will send the money for    the cost but she told me that I don't have to pay her in return. 

When my brother-in-law came back from his trip  to the Philippines, he was carrying the baby clothes. I remember I got them few days before I lost Alanna. I didn't even open it up until Alanna's funeral as I was looking for a clothing that she can wear for her funeral. I cried when I saw them because I knew she can never try them and wear them. It was too big for her small body. I have more than one, so I plan to give them away. I am not sure though if I want to keep one set for myself or should I just give everything. I'm not sure yet. I guess when that time comes, I will know what to do with them. 

Also, I want to share the photos below that I consider blessing that was given to us to remember Alanna. Also check my Most Treasure Items Post which is also consider blessing.

cross from the funeral homes

Message in a bottle from her Great Grandma Romy

Bag with Alanna's things from the hospital
From the Hospital where I deliver Alanna

Capture Your Grief, Day 4: Most Treasured Items

I treasure Alanna's picture that we have taken. I think we only have a few and I wish I had more pictures of her when we were in the hospital. I know I regret taking pictures of her with my kids in the hospital. I regret our decision for them not to see the baby in the hospital. That time, I just was not ready, I didn't know how to tell my kids that their baby sister died. How I wish I took pictures of them carrying their sister atleast. But eventually, we had to tell them because we wanted them to be there during her funeral visitation. We wanted them to see how beautiful their sister is. I'm heart broken though because I know that it would be the first and last day that they will see their baby sister Alanna.

I also treasure the things that I got from the hospital. They were all so kind and gave my baby her first outfit, baby bonnet, baby blanket, booties, hospital bracelets, hospital cards, measuring tape, her hand and footprints, a baby angel and pieces of her hair which in my heart I will treasure forever.