About Hope

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Hope Elizabeth

Born into Heaven

September 10, 2004

~Stillborn, but born still~

My baby girl, Hope, died in utero after a very difficult pregnancy of bleeding, premature rupture of membranes, and bedrest. I was induced and she was delivered silently at 22 weeks conception.

I had started bleeding at 10 weeks and was placed on modified bedrest at 14 weeks. The bleeding finally stopped at 18 weeks and I was looking forward to being able to relax and enjoy the remainder of the pregnancy. Just the next day, my water broke and I was admitted to the hospital. The doctors didn't think I'd make it to 24 weeks (viability) without getting an infection or going into labor. Neither one of those things happened, but her heart mysteriously stopped beating too soon.

Not a day goes by that I don't love and think about my sweet baby girl. The days will pass so slowly until I can see her again.

What a glorious day this was!! The bleeding stopped and it was confirmed that we were going to get the baby girl we'd been dreaming off for so long. We'd lost a baby to miscarriage earlier in the year and were so anxious to have another baby in our home. Our 5-year-old longed for a sibling - especially a baby sister. My husband wanted a "Daddy's Little Girl." I knew as soon as she was born she would wrap him around her tiny little finger.

I love this ultrasound photo because it is the only good picture I have of her. She has the exact same profile as our son, Cole ~ cute little upturned nose and everything. I can't look at his profile without thinking of her.



February 21, 2004	September 10, 2004

I was inspired to write this poem after attending the October 2004 SHARE Atlanta meeting. I was encouraged to realize that I could make memories with Hope by doing things in her memory. It will always be okay to remember and do things in her honor.

I have the poem in a floating frame in my bedroom. I love it. I cherish her footprints and handprints as they are all I have of her

Pictured: Hope's shelf with memorial items and gifts received in her honor.

OCTOBER 2004 - SHARE Atlanta held a Memorial Service at the Babyland Atlanta Angel Garden. I participated in the balloon release which was absolutely beautiful. I loved watching the balloons floating up to the sky. I was touched by a poem in the program written by fellow SHARE Atlanta Mom, Polly Keen:

You Never Knew

You made an impression on my mind,

Although I never saw your face.

You made a mark upon my body,

Still my arms held your empty place.

You have a hold onto my heart,

But our dreams did not come true.

You have a place within my soul,

Forever, I will love you.

NOVEMBER 2004 - SHARE Atlanta held their annual Candlelighting Service. I wanted to find the perfect candle to take that I could use every year. The candle shown on the top of Hope's shelf was my mother's (who has also passed away.) I didn't realize until the day of the Candlelighting that the angel hugger matched the candle holder base. I had them in separate locations in my home and was so happy to realize that they were meant to go together! I interpreted it as a sign from my mother and my baby daughter in Heaven.

In loving memory of Hope Elizabeth & her angel sibling - born into Heaven in 2004.

Christmas 2004

I knew the only way I would get through the holidays was to do things for our babies.

I wrote the poem on the left to go in the Christmas cards. I couldn't bear the thought of sending out cards without acknowledging my baby girl and the angel baby that had come before her.

I participated in the SHARE Foster Care Outreach and donated baby items in our babies' names.

I donated two ornaments to the SHARE Atlanta Angel Tree at the Festival of Trees in honor of Hope Elizabeth and her angel sibling.

I made our own Angel Tree at home for the babies.

Click here to see The 2004 Angel Tree Pictures

Click here to see The 2005 Angel Tree Pictures

I met a sweet lady, Wanda, over the internet. Every year she runs in the Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth, Texas to "Remember Our Children." She runs in honor of her son, Keith. She so kindly offered to put Hope's name on her t-shirt and on this beautiful plaque.

I am so happy to have Hope's name on something. I may never see it but I know that she will be remembered forevermore.

Thank you, Wanda!!

March 10, 2005 - To my dearest baby girl, Hope. It's been 6 LONG months since you were taken from my body's embrace. I ache to hold you and kiss and comfort you. Your death has been a crater in the landscape of my life. But I go on, taking life as it comes - for I have no other choice.

I pray that the place you call home is a beautiful place, full of sunshine and happiness. I pray that you can see and know and understand how much we miss you. I long for the day that I can hold you in my arms and tell you how it makes up for all of the pain and sadness I've had to endure. If only I knew for sure, I could breathe easier. But I believe. Angel, I believe.

Until we meet again, you will always be in my heart. I love you and miss you more every day.

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BraceletsofHope.com

Last Updated 7/01/2008