February 5, 2018

Clinging to Hope



It's been a little over a year since we lost our son, Colby. Most of that year, and into the present, my grief has consumed me. But there are things that have kept me from sinking too low in my depression and I'm going to share them with you today in case they can help someone else.

+ In-person Support Group - This has truly been my saving grace. I have met some amazing ladies through my support group, and a few of them have become close friends. As a group we have a Facebook group chat, and when I'm having bad days I can reach out to my group in between meetings. 

+ Facebook Groups - These have been a good source of articles and blog posts from women who have experienced loss. Reading them has made me feel less alone in my thoughts and feelings. My favorite group is for mothers who have no living children, called Still Mothers. They have an entire community outside of Facebook as well that has many resources and provides additional support. 
Other Facebook groups for loss include: Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep  and Miscarriage, Stillbirth, & Infant Loss.
I also belong to groups that surround PCOS, Infertility, and Trying to Conceive (TTC) with those challenges. If you are interested in joining any of those groups, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

+ Instagram Accounts - There are some wonderful women who share their stories and uplift others through their Instagram accounts. I'm on Insta daily, it's my favorite social media platform, so it was only natural for me to find some Instagram accounts that cater to loss, grief, and faith. I'll list a few of my favorites, so you can follow them as well: @griefunfolding@trustinginduetime, and @i.am.fruitful.



+ Faith - I don't know where I'd be without my faith. God has humbled me and taught me so much through this trying time. I have clung to the verse pictured above, and have it hanging in our bedroom above the crib as a symbol of the hope we have that God will provide and bless us with a living child.

+ Friends - My friends have truly been a huge blessing. You really do find out who your true friends are when a tragedy such as ours hits your life. Luckily I have three friends who have been a big part of my support system, and I thank God for them every day.

+ Husband - Last, but certainly not least is my husband. He is my rock. I couldn't have gotten through the last year without him. He has been so strong and such a comfort. He has put up with all my crazy outbursts, all my tears, and all my days spent in bed. God has truly blessed me with an amazing man, it's all I can do to strive to deserve him.

Without these six things I would not be as okay as I am today, and I am truly grateful for each and every one of them.

If you are going through a grieving process and need someone to talk to, please do no hesitate to reach out to me. I am here for you.