LACTNET Archives

Lactation Information and Discussion

LACTNET@COMMUNITY.LSOFT.COM

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Morgan Gallagher <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:25:49 +0100
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (88 lines)
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)
>
>   

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome

ATOM RSS1 RSS2