My dear friend, Rebecca, suggested we do a fundraiser for Emilia’s Bags. We organized our efforts and purchased 15 Thirty One tote bags to fill. I wanted these to be different, and one of our NICU nurses suggested choosing more specifically who they would be given to. I knew immediately what my plan was, and put it into action.

When we were in the NICU the day we said goodbye to Emilia, Macy (then age 3) was with us the entire day. Without the help of child life and nurses, I am not sure how we would have survived that day. And I know for certain, Macy and I wouldn’t have the special family memories that we no have together with Emilia. They helped her blow bubbles to her baby sister (she was too frightened by the breathing tube to hold her), got her stickers to play with and a special baby doll to take home (she lovingly carried this “baby sister” doll everywhere for months), and encouraged Macy to spend time loving her sister in the ways a child could.

I decided these tote bags would be given to families who are saying goodbye to their babies in the NICU and have an older living sibling. I wanted those families to have the ability to make the same happy memories that we were able to make. They will include items such as bubbles, crayons, coloring books, pencils, and a special book that touches on infant loss (generously donated by Special Delivery Books). The tote bags will also include similar items from the traditional Bags of Hope (forget-me-not seed packet, tissues, pamphlet of resources, tea, crocheted blanket square) and also some new items. A larger Angel candle, a journal and pen to keep memories or notes, chocolates, and resource pamphlets.

It is our hope that these bags will bring comfort to families as they go through the hardest experience any parent could face. We are endlessly thankful to people from our community who have helped support our cause and help provide these bags to area hospitals.

Macy blowing bubbles to Emilia the day we said goodbye.