Those of you who followed BabyQuest know that I have depended heavily in the last several years on an online community of women undergoing infertility treatments. Now I'm part of a parallel online community of the women who have gone on to become mothers, whether through successful infertility treatment, adoption, or spontaneous good luck. Most of us will never meet, and yet there is a strong bond that I feel with these women. We've supported each other through years of hope and disappointment, during fights with insurance companies and jargon-laden consultations with doctors. We've celebrated each other's pregnancies, and every baby born to a woman in that community has about 100 online aunties waiting to see their next photograph and hear about their next milestone. Those women are my sisters-in-arms.
Today, my heart is heavy, because one of our members is burying her child. Baby June was born three weeks ago with a rare genetic disorder. Her parents were told from June's first day on earth that she would not be with them for long. The strength and love that they have demonstrated in the face of this tragedy are truly inspirational. They relied on their faith and some unfathomable innate strength, and they rejoiced at June's birth each day of her short life, using every moment with her as a chance to show her their love. Today, as they bury her, they celebrate her life, short as it was.
Molly, June's mother, keeps a blog. On it, Molly wrote that a friend had found an organization that creates and donates burial gowns for infants. Molly wrote about the happiness she felt in having a beautiful gown for her daughter, and the relief of not having to go out and find a gown on her own. She asked for support for this group, so that other families experiencing such loss could receive the same comfort she did.
The nonprofit group that created Baby June's gown is called The Mary Madeline Project. They use donated wedding gowns.
My own wedding gown has been preserved in my attic for almost 10 years now. I never knew what to do with it. Now I know. If you still have your dress and are so inclined, please go to www.marymadelineproject.org and donate yours as well. Or mention it the next time someone you know asks what to do with their gown. It may feel a little strange to suggest, but just think of the comfort you can bring to some parents' life.
And please say a special prayer today for Baby June and her amazing family.

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