Thursday 1 November 2012

Remembering Alex and Ian 5

Today it is 5 years since our twin sons Alex and Ian were stillborn.  Always remembered!  We wish they were here.  Their birthday will be celebrated with cake.  Today on my blog, I mark their anniversary with some stories, reflections and resources that I have found recently.

Stillbirth and sport have been in the news this year.  So here are a few stories I have found moving:
  • I was not alone in admiring Gary Barlow's courage in performing at the Olympic Closing Ceremony in London, days after his daughter Poppy was stillborn.
  • In April, Australian Olympian Brooke Hansen's 9 month old son, Jack, died.  (See Daily Telegraph article)
  • When Sydney Swans won the AFL Grand Final this year, there was some talk of the co-Captain, Jarrad McVeigh whose daughter Luella died at 4 weeks old last year.  (See Daily Telegraph article)
  • Finally, I stumbled across the story of another AFL footballed, Port Adelaide Crows Troy Chaplin whose wife delivered a stillborn baby boy, Archie, at 20 weeks in 2010.

While looking at these stories, I discovered the Teddy Love Club, now known as Pregnancy Loss Australia, which has many fantastic resources on their website and seem to do great support work.  They also hold a Butterflies for Babies Day to raise awareness and support families who suffer the loss of a baby.

Lastly, I found this beautifully-written article in which William McInnes' reflects on his grief at the loss of his wife.

Previously on Green Gourmet Giraffe:
This day in 2011: Remembering Alex and Ian 4
This day in 2010: Remembering Alex and Ian 3
This day in 2009: Remembering Alex and Ian
This day in 2008: Ripple in Still Water

17 comments:

  1. Thinking of you all today Johanna xxox

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  2. Oh Johanna- I'm sending you a tight long distance hug.

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  3. I think it's so special that you mark today in such a positive and happy way. Thanks for sharing those stories.

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  4. Please accept a warm enfolding hug from tasmania. My friend lost a baby and I know how she suffered and even though it was a long time ago, she still remembers the anniversary. Life goes on but nothing takes away the memories

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  5. I am sending you a virtual kiss, hug, and something deeply darkly, intensely chocolate. I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure they're up in Heaven with, warmly snuggled in Angels wings, eating all the candy they want.

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  6. A lovely post. Sending you lots of love and warm wishes across the miles.

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  7. Sending you big hugs Johanna, you are in my thoughts! xx

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  8. sending you lots of hugs and happy thoughts xxxx

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  9. A warm feeling of togetherness, of feeling for you and with you . . . can you somehow begin to believe in the saying 'yesterday is a cancelled cheque, tomorrow a promissory note, it is this day of today which counts . . .' - may each year make the loss just a little easier . . .

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  10. Thinking of you and E, Johanna, and of the memories of Alex and Ian xx

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  11. Ah I'm so sorry my dear. It's so sweet that you remember the boys.

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  12. A lovely remembrance for two who are so loved. And thank you for the links as well. William McInnes' story is also a touching read (though his habit of referring to his wife with both first and last names is a bit distracting!).

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  13. Thinking of you and your family.

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  14. Johanna sending you warm scones and chai tea, as I think they could be the food equivalent of big hug. A day that will be forever filled with raw emotions.
    xxxxxxx
    ps. William McInnes' writing is beautiful.

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  15. Thanks everyone for your kind and thoughtful comments - they are much appreciated

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