Day 6: Things Not to Say

Maybe someone thinks these things are helpful, but certainly not me. I'd like to think that if there is a God, his plan doesn't involve killing my son. Yes, if he had to die, then it would be wonderful for Elliot to be in heaven. If there is a heaven, I know he is there. But don't say that to a grieving mother. All I want is for him to still be here with me.

Day 5: Memorial

Elliot's headstone and cherry tree.

Day 4: Most Treasured Items

My most treasured things are my memories of Elliot. His soft skin. Chubby legs and arms. Huge feet! The weight of his warm, heavy body on my chest. That new baby smell. How I felt the first time I saw him and the first time I held him.

My most treasured items are the tangible things that remind us of Elliot. The beautiful photos we have, his frog and anything else he touched or wore, and the molds of his feet (thanks to the awesome NICU staff). Also, the scrap book pages the NICU staff made for us.

Day 3: After Loss Self Portrait

I have been nervous about sharing this photo, but I think it is so powerful and full of emotion. This is after Elliot's donation surgery. Our last goodbye.

Day 2: Before Loss Self Portrait

Andy took this photo while I was in labor with Elliot. Obviously early on, before the real pain started. This is the last photo of the old me.

Day 1: Sunrise

The moon setting at sunrise on October 1, 2012.

Sorry for the grainy camera phone photo.

Capture your Grief 2012

The wonderful Cary Marie has designed a photo challenge for the loss community to commemorate Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. I'm not doing it in the official-share-your-photos-with-everyone Facebook event. So I'll share them with everyone via the blog. Here is the list:

http://carlymarieprojectheal.com/2012/09/capture-your-grief-this-october-2012-for-pregnancy-infant-loss-awareness-month.html