Dearest Kate,
Thank you for sharing Elijah's journey with us. I sat and watched this
montage, with grateful tears running down my cheeks.
Grateful that you had such a supportive and powerful way to celebrate
Elijah. Grateful that he was, and is, so loved and cherished. Grateful
that I could witness such love.
Grateful that such healing was available to you, from the very beginning.
I recently attended a memorial service for a young mother, who'd given
birth like you, aware of how things had already unfolded. She was a
stranger in our land, and although the staff wrapped her baby son, and
took one instant photo, she was whisked off my Immigration and detained.
5 years later, she came to us to ask if we could find out what had
happened to her son, as she was still having nightmares about him being
unnamed, and unburied. A devout Christian, she was tormented that her
firstborn was unbaptised. Her nightmares had become daymares, and her
thoughts could not be stilled.
Thankfully, the hospital Chaplaincy service had had the humanity the
Immigration officials lacked, and when, after months of asking where the
mother was, and could she be released for the burial and getting no
answer... they buried the baby, with full service. She had not know
it, but he had been cared for with love and dignity, and given a proper
Christian burial.
We held a memorial service, and she brought her two baby daughters with
her, and stood at her Gabriel's grave, and poured out 5 years of grief,
and unknowing and fear and dread. She brought toys and mementos, and
each of the girls left a present for their big brother. We sang Nursery
rhymes as she cried.
Having watched that, and held her as she shook, I can look at your
photos of Elijah in your arms, and give thanks that such healing was
yours, and such love was open to you. It is a very special and
priceless thing you have gifted upon us. I'd wish that all mothers were
so loved and supported, and gifted such grace.
Thank you for sharing the beauty of Elijah with us. I'll endeavour to
make sure any who have need of it, know where to find this precious
album, and the wonder it contains.
Morgan Gallagher
Kate Cropp WHNP, IBCLC, MSN wrote:
> Dear family and friends,
>
> Jordan and I (and the rest of the two families) are very grateful to have you supporting
> us during this difficult time. We both celebrate the birth and mourn the death of our little
> Elijah. But your love and support make both easier.
>
> The love of those who were able to attend Elijah's services was amazing! And the spirit of
> those who could not be with us was lifting us up when we felt like we were crashing
> down. What an awesome group we have surrounding us with love. We are forever
> grateful.
>
> My own personal healing is moving forward when I answer the question which our pastor,
> Clay, preached about, as Elijah (the prophet) asked a mourning mother, "Is it well with
> the child?" Though I may not like that Elijah is not with me, I can truly answer, "It is well
> with my child. He is safe in God's hands. He has nannies and poppies, grandmas and
> grandpas and even another Cropp baby spirit to love him forever. He will not suffer. And
> I will see him again someday."
>
> Please, share Elijah's movie with anyone whom you feel will be touched by it. Our little
> boy was gorgeous! These were taken by a local photographer who volunteers her time to
> the organization "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep". We are forever grateful for Krystal.
> www.mintandsage.com/slideshows/elijahpatrick
>
> Blessings to all,
> Kate Cropp
> Mama to Henry (3.5y) and Elijah (our angel)
>
>
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