This is something I wrote last year on this day. It still holds true. At this time 8 months ago today I was washing my daughters body and preparing her for her siblings to say goodbye. Today, we celebrate the 3 Kings who came to see Baby Jesus. Most of us know the story. Ancient wise men who had read in their books that a mighty King was to be born under this night sky.
Did you know that we are currently working on publishing my private journal and Facebook entries? After several different friends reached out to me and asked if I could combine all of my social media posts into a book I decided that I would also publish much of my journal. These entries consist of the entire year after Maggie died. We are in the editing stage so have quite a way to go but we
For all my loss mamas out there. I know. I know how hard today is. For some of us, it’s harder than Christmas. Suddenly, you are forced into a new year where no new memories will be made. The memories of your child grow further and further behind you. Suddenly, you aren’t able to say, “My child died this year” or “my child died last year.” What in the world do I tell people now?
From the time Maggie died, I heard quite often that the second year of grief is much worse than the first. I heard that the full reality of my daughter’s death would suddenly hit me and I would be in a worse place then I was in that first year. This was really hard for me to hear because I was suffering so deeply and so intensely. I did not want to imagine things going
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”Today I wrote a note to a bereaved mother. I wanted to say don’t believe all those sympathy cards. The ones that say “time heals” and “God only takes the best” and “may your sorrows be lessened.” You’ll only be disappointed. I wanted to say this is the most heart-wrenching, chest crushing, breath stealing tragedy on earth. I wanted to tell her there will be days she wants to die, and friends who will not understand some of the things she does or says.
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I wanted to tell her she will still feel her child’s presence at times, sometimes so strongly that it is as if they are dancing just at the edge of whatever activity is going on. And other times she might not feel their presence at all.
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I wanted to tell her that her life will not go back, that she will never be the same, because a piece of her left with her child. And that even though the pain does not go away, somehow her soul will eventually make enough room so she can hold it all– the grief, the pain, the joy and the love.
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I wanted to tell her… but I didn’t. Instead, I wrote this: I’m sending love, for words are pointless right now. And that is the truth.”
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Wonderfully written by Susi Costello
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July is National Bereaved Parents month. For those who have lost a child, I see you. I am you.
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To learn more about our ministry go to www.joyfullikemaggie.com
#JoyfulLikeMaggie #grief #griefsupport #griefandloss #bereavedparents #bereavedfather #bereavedmother #childloss
Join Maggie's dad and big sister as they discuss St. Padre Pio. If you have been wanting to learn more about the saints then episode 18 is for you!
joyfullikemaggie.com/podcast
We are so excited to see that Into the Breach is now on Formed! Episode 8: Suffering is the video on Maggie's dad, Frank Ramirez.
If you don't have the app download it now! There are so many incredible shows, movies, etc. all about the Catholic faith.
We are, as always, grateful to Bishop Thomas Olmstead of the Diocese of Phoenix, Knights of Columbus, and Spirit Juice for this incredible opportunity to share our story and, more importantly, Maggie's life.
As always let us be #JoyfulLikeMaggie
Thank you to Kristina Risinger for interviewing me on your Faith Breathed Hope podcast! This interview took place at about 28 weeks pregnant. Please know that in this podcast we discuss child death, miscarriage, deep grief, and pregnancy. We are real with our words as we discuss our personal experiences and our faith in the midst of these experiences.
Scroll down to Episode 015
Interview with Jenifer Ramirez
Welcoming New Life After Loss Of A Child, Acceptance, And Being Joyful Like Maggie
kristinarisinger.com/faith-breathed-hope-podcast/
Have you ever been in the middle of a storm and seen the clouds break open and the sun stream through? Despite the rain and wind and even thunder a rainbow will shine bright.
We are so happy to introduce you to Eulalia Faustina Hope our double rainbow baby. She is not our rainbow after the storm. She is our rainbow during the storm. She was born as the sun came up this morning, not only the day of Resurrection but also Holy Trinity Sunday, after an hour and a half of labor. She is named after her great grandmother (and St. Eulalia) and of course St. Faustina. We added the name Hope as a reminder of the hope we have been given in Christ. Even in the midst of our darkest days the rainbow shines bright.
9 lbs 5 oz
21 inches long
"Love endures everything, love is stronger than death, love fears nothing." - St. Faustina
This pregnancy was very difficult both physically and emotionally. It has reminded me that love endures everything. I was afraid but our God showed me how to be brave. My Maggie showed me how to be brave.
Like I said when Eulalia was safe in my arms, "I did it! We did it!" In the midst of the storm hope and courage were taught.
-Maggie's Mom
#JoyfulLikeMaggie
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