Today I attended the funeral of the Grace, born to a member of my staff who only livedfor 9 hours. It was I think the hardest, most moving thing I have ever experienced and never want to go through again. Thanks for all the poems you have sent me and as posted earlier I received the certificate today of the star we had named after her to give her Mum on her birthday tomorrow.

We included the following kindly given by yourselves

" a little flower only given to bud on earth and bloom in heaven
Children become the brightest star, look to the sky she's never far'

(we made up the last bit)

Not a Birthday she will want to celebrate but I hope it touches her like it has touched everyone I have shown.

As there were only family flowers my company were looking to make a contribution of some sort. As the hospital she was born in is so big (good Hope) we were waiting for the parents to decide on a peice of equipment or something specific to them and their daughter yet understandably they haven't yet come up with anything. Ater seeing them today though and admiring their courage and strength I wonder about spending the money instead on them. Something like a weekend away in a secluded cottage where they can just be together to take time and reflect. Whether it be by the lakes, in the country or by the sea, just somewhere they can have peace away from day to day to day, walk in lovely surroundings or maybe just stay in. Anyone know of a place.

Also, there are 3 other women in the department who are pregnant, one on my team due 4 weeks after and they are now as expected going through the guilt process. I hope more than anything Claire (not her real name) wants to return to work for us when she is ready but if that happens I would like to also offer support and maybe counselling if necessary to those pregnant members of staff. Does anyone know of an organisation I can contact who may be able to help. or if anyone can point me in a direction then I would be really grateful.

Thanks Guys

Stillbirth And Neonatal Death ( SANDS) do counselling for bereaved parents/family members, maybe the local National Childbirth Trust can suggest an antenatal teacher /peer supporter for the other women if they want it, and not everyone does. The star was an inspired idea. Hope you find some peace yourself now.

have a look at this for another little poem,it makes me cry everytime i think of my little stars
http://www.allfreegreetingcards.com/g2.html
mel:)

Wow, a sympathetic and considerate employer. Amazing.

Well done.

Julia & Hooligans

Hi Lisa,i lost a baby at 31 weeks,a stillborn little boy.Three of my closest workmates were pregnant and due around the same time.The best thing they did was not to'pussy foot' around me it just made me feel worse.The best thing they could do was to treat me as normal and let me talk when i needed to.Going back to work with pregnant others around will never be easy but the first time she walks through that door will be the hardest,you sound very strong....be strong for her too.
I've come through this thanks to a great hubby and brilliant mates i'm sure time will heal for her too.The pain never goes and she should'nt try and forget but with time things do get a little easier until anniversaries come round again

Cheryl

what a sad sad day it has been on champdogs today. god bless baby grace...her family...and jane's (bulldogowners)family.