Thursday, October 16, 2008

A More Serious Moment...






















One of the saddest things I can imagine is for a parent to lose a child. Even more painful is the fact that many families lose a baby because the child is premature or is miscarried.

Many hospitals allow for the parents to see the child, even to hold it, allowing the family to have a small measure of closure in the passing of the child. Some of the families were already in the hospital, others are often walk-ins. In nearly all cases, the families are not prepared for the passing.

Because of the unexpected nature of this unfortunate happening. many times there are no appropriate articles of clothing or correct size blankets available for the infants. The hospitals do what they can with available gowns and clothing, but many times the small infants are simply too small and are all but lost in the overly large garments. How sad to have the parents see their tiny baby for the last time dressed in such a manner.

Enter the volunteers! Across the country there are groups of people, mostly women, who donate their time and talents to making small articles to fill this need and donate them to hospitals at no charge. They do this because they felt this was a need they could do something about and not for any recognition. They do it out of the kindness of their heart, and because they wanted to do whatever they could to help ease the pain felt by families suffering these devastating losses.

I'm proud to say that my Mother is one of these wonderful volunteers! Along with some of her friends, they create some really nice pieces to donate to the maternity wards at local hospitals. The pictures that you see above are just a few of these creations. There are small kimonos, burial gowns, tiny hats (not shown)and beautiful little receiving blankets. One of the other things they make are small memory envelopes to hold items like birth certificates, locks of hair, and any other items that might be wanted by the family. These pouches are very pretty and serve as a nice place to hold precious little mementos. The dollar bill was placed there only to show the size of these items.

I wanted to take the time to recognise these wonderful volunteers for what they do. We often are surrounded by people who work quietly in the background to try and make life more pleasant and to offer comfort to those in need. These are very special people indeed, and lends credence to the believe that there are Angels among us...if we only take the time to look.

Now, how about a fresh cup of coffee, my friend ?
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8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bubba, what a wonderful thing for you to recognize Mama in this way! We are aware of her talents and contributions, but just take them for granted since she has always done something of the sort. But by also letting other folks know of the program, maybe more will get involved. Besides, she needs her horn tooted once in a while, as do we all, right? Love you lots.....

Cheeky Chums 4 Premature Babies said...

by the way for very early baby gowns cheeky chums supply the most tinest outfits in the world for preemie babies from 6 inches in length visit www.cheekychumsonline.co.uk free worldwide delivery

HermitJim said...

Hey Sis...thanks for dropping by. I agree that we should let others know and give them a chance to get involved somehow. I'm sure that there must be a lot of other groups that would be willing to participate in some fashion...

See ya later!

Hey Cheeky...do you donate any of your small outfits to a charity? I'm sure that if you wanted to make any type of heartfelt donation to these organizations, they would be more than happy to accept. If you can't find an organization locally, just email me and I'll be more than happy to find a list for the gifts to go.

Thanks for the visit

Manu said...

Hi Jim... that is a wonderful thing your mom and all the other people are doing for those who are put in these tragic situations.
It is a blessing that there are these people that are helping selfless behind the scenes, being invisible to most like angles. It is important to make the world aware and to remind people of these wonderful souls, it might and hopefully will inspire. We and only we can make this world a better place.
I am sure your mom is very touched that you publicly recognise her like this. Please tell her how wonderful i think it is what she and the others are doing.

Take care,
Manu.

Lydia said...

Hi Jim,

That's a wonderful thing your mom does, and I bet really rewarding! (now we can see where you get your caring and loving nature..!)

Can't say anything much better than Manu has said! Its an awesome thing to do for those easily forgotten, or not thought of in any way.

lydia

HermitJim said...

Hey Manu...I do thank you for dropping by. I'm sure that the comments will mean a lot to Mom and her friends, even they never expect anything in return, They are glad to help in their own fashion and the joy that brings is reward enough, I'm sure...


Hey Lydia...your kind comments are welcome and I will pass on the thoughts to Mom. Often we forget just how nice it can be to add a little joy to someone's life. A good example for all of us to follow, I think...

Thanks for coming by...

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the very nice write-up about the baby clohes, Skip (also known as The Hermit)!! This project means so much to me, and I thoroughly enjoy the soft, pretty fabics I try to use. Never having lost a wee one it is really hardfor me to imagine the saddness it must bring. To feel one may help relieve just a bit of the pain is a great feeling.

Thnks, too, to Baby Sis, Manu and Lydia for your encouraging words.I think I hear my sewing machine calling and My sweet Amy will lead me there, so bye fo now.. . ..Love you much! Mom

Cat Melton said...

Jim,
I've just had time to read your post, and find it very touching. God Bless your Mama for her inspiring work and you for letting us know about such an Angel.

Cat