Because Of Norbert

On July 12, 2005, our son Norbert was born. He was stillborn. And in the quiet of that moment, everything in our world shifted.

At the time, I didn’t know how we would survive. There wasn’t a roadmap for the grief we were feeling, or a place to turn where we felt fully seen. We were alone.

Many years later, I slowly began to find healing through connection. It was in the stories of others who had also experienced loss, in the shared presence of other bereaved mothers, and in the realization that we could hold both grief and love at the same time. 

Out of this place, Return to Zero: Hope was born.

It started with a simple desire: to make sure no one else had to walk through loss in isolation. What I didn’t expect was how many of you would walk alongside us,  sharing your stories, holding space for others, and helping to build something meaningful out of heartbreak.

As Norbert’s 20th birthday approaches, I find myself reflecting on all that’s happened because of him. The community we’ve built. The families we’ve supported. The light we’ve helped carry for one another.

If RTZ Hope has made a difference in your life, I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below, send us a message, or share your story on social media using the hashtag #BecauseOfNorbert.

And if you feel moved, you’re invited to make a gift in Norbert’s honor — or in honor of your own baby — to help carry this light forward. Your support allows us to continue showing up for others, just as we were shown love and support so many years ago.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Kiley