Erin, Spreading HOPE for Sparrow and Jireh
Erin Sricharoon,
sharing her story in memory of Sparrow and Jireh
“Since the age of 15, I was told carrying my own child would be almost impossible, so when I saw those two pink lines one early morning, I could not believe it. I held the secret close to my heart, yet secretly began dreaming of all the hope and joys to come. Sadly, those dreams were short-lived, as I miscarried at 8-weeks. Almost as soon as I knew pregnancy, I knew loss. With this came a sense of shame and guilt that I did not anticipate. I was filled with questions about whether my grief counted, whether I got to call myself a mom, whether I would be accepted by those who had lost later or walked through infant loss. Did I get to grieve? Yet, I knew I was filled with grief, so I began writing about it and sharing it as a means to process it. I was overwhelmed by how many others had walked through this same story. So many of my friends and family had a similar story but never shared it. I found a sisterhood I never wished to be a part of, yet I was so grateful for. They walked me through the fear as we tried to get pregnant again, and miraculously, almost exactly a year later, my daughter was born. I would know the grief of early pregnancy loss as we again experienced a miscarriage at 8 weeks during my third pregnancy. Two years later, I would hold our son in my arms, which would be a blessing in the midst of a global pandemic. While I am so very grateful for my two beautiful children, there is not a day that goes by that I don't wonder about my other two. I think about these beautiful sparrows, tiny ones who are still so precious and important. I know that the length of motherhood does not change the value of the experience. I wish all experiencing early miscarriage would know they are valued, loved and supported and so are the babies they carried
I am a photographer and provide services to those who are experiencing stillbirth and infant loss. It is a precious privilege to tell the stories of these families and provide them with images of their babies.”
October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month.
Our HOPEtober annual event honors all losses on the journey to parenthood.
Even though so many of us have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, or know someone who has, it is a loss that exists in the shadows. As bereaved parents, we feel isolated and alone. But together, we can shine a light on pregnancy and infant loss, helping others to live a life that holds both grief and joy.
HOPEtober Luminaries partner with us during the month of October to be an advocate and ambassador in spreading awareness and shining a light on pregnancy and infant loss. By sharing our stories we’re bringing awareness to pregnancy and infant loss, as well as the resources and support that exist through Return to Zero: Hope. As a nonprofit, raising awareness and funds are essential to our cause and support programs.
We'd be grateful if you you would consider making a contribution to Erin's fundraiser in honor of Sparrow and Jireh Your gift ensures that other parents who endure loss on their journey to parenthood have the support, resources, and community they need in order to navigate life after loss.
This year our goal is to raise $75,000 during the month of October so that we can continue spread hope and healing by providing resources and support to grieving families and their care providers.
Thank you for helping to shatter the silence around pregnancy & infant loss.