Core Value Series: Grieving Together

By: Stephanie Gordon EPLA Editor

In the core value series, the editors of Hope Blooms seek to show the heart of the EPLA by describing our core values. We encourage you to remember the children we’ve lost and stand with families suffering from miscarriage.

Grieving Together
When I experienced my miscarriage nearly eight years ago, I felt like I was the only one who had gone through this tragic event. None of my friends had experienced miscarriage, nor had I ever talked about miscarriage because I didn’t have a reason to. I wasn’t sure where to turn, even though I was surrounded by love. Those closest to me showed support, but I still felt alone.

One of our core values is grieving together. Pregnancy loss carries a stereotype of being a personal, quiet event. Even though everyone grieves differently, many women struggle to process their emotions during pregnancy loss. Some find comfort in grieving privately, while others prefer to grieve publicly. Either way, women and families deserve a safe environment to process their grief. Here at the EPLA, we acknowledge the unfortunate frequency of early pregnancy loss and recognize it as a death. We are here to provide a space to grieve.

Years after my miscarriage, the EPLA was formed. I wanted to get involved right away, because I remember those many months of grieving alone, even though my husband, family, and friends were there for me. The EPLA was an outlet that allowed me to connect with other mothers who had experienced what I had.

We are here to offer emotional and physical support with educational care kits, miscarriage care kits, care provider networking, and community education. We are here to share your stories on our blog and social media pages to help bring awareness to pregnancy loss and to honor your babies who were lost too soon. Every year we hold a tulip fundraiser to help remember the babies who were lost, one way we grieve alongside you. We are here to help bear the burden of grief because you are not alone.

Later this week, I will share a tragic loss story from a local mother who experienced loss more than 20 years ago. This was a time when pregnancy loss wasn’t really discussed. Her story is powerful, and goes to show that even though it may not feel like it, the stereotype of miscarriage is indeed evolving. Families should no longer feel like they need to grieve alone.

Women and families deserve a safe environment to process their grief. Here at the EPLA, we acknowledge the unfortunate frequency of early pregnancy loss and recognize it as a death. 

Stephanie Gordon is a paleo food enthusiast, wife, full-time SAHM, marketing professional, and blogger.