One Simple Bracelet
On February 3, 2002 I had my second child, Zoe Rayanne. She was perfect, ten fingers and toes, and bright beautiful eyes. After only being home a couple of days I noticed a change in Zoe. Doctors discovered that she had an infection in her brain. There was no cure, she had irreversible brain damage. We had to say goodbye after only having her for 9 days. February 12, 2002, became a day that changed my life. It changed every part of me. I became a better mother, wife, and friend. I learned to cherish every part of life. In the beginning I reached out for any support I could find. Through the years I found it easier to find help to deal with my grief. Pregnancy and Infant loss has become something that people finally talk about. I joined a club that no one wants to be in. I became a member of the infant loss community. A few years ago I came across a group who offered pink and blue bracelets to wear in October for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. Something about wearing this little bracelet empowered me. I’d wake up every morning and see my wrist as I brushed my teeth and remember Zoe. These simple pieces of thread would start my day with a smile. That’s how Simple Threads of Hope was born. I want to offer others an opportunity to smile. Awareness bracelets are simple but their impact can be profound. This simple bracelet can open doors for conversations and bring awareness to difficult topics.