STRASBURG Dustin and Jess Karl were looking forward to the arrival of their fourth child, who was due in May 2021. However, in January 2021, during a routine doctor’s appointment, the baby’s heartbeat was not detected.
Jess went through childbirth and delivered Colson, on Jan. 8. He was stillborn.
The children in the Karl family are Jaxon, 7, Adelynn, 5, and Camdynn, 3, and Colson, who remains a part of their family.
The Karl family has partnered with Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital and the OB/GYN practice for families who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, childbirth, or soon after to receive a Forget-Me-Not Basket.
Forget-Me-Not Baskets provide items of comfort and support to those who are grieving a loss. In the baskets are mementos, such as a crocheted small blanket, literature, publications such as “When Hello Means Goodbye” and “Mommy Please Don’t Cry — There Are No Tears in Heaven,” by Linda Deymaz. Other items were a pin that was a set of footprints that is the exact size and shape of a 10-week unborn baby’s feet with the saying "A person is a person, no matter how small," a quote from Dr. Suess. There are necklaces and other trinkets included in the bag.
Jess said the family recently hosted a fundraiser to give back to Forget-Me-Not Baskets. The event raised $1,700 and was donated to Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital/OBGYN in memory of Colson. Future items that are given to families will have Colson’s name on the bag.
“I was blown away that the fundraiser earned that much money. I am thrilled to know the giving was done in memory of Colson,” she said. ”I am always available to talk to someone who has suffered the loss of a child. I have a great support system, however some people do not.”
“Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital and its caregiver team in the Maternity Center are grateful to the Jess and Dustin Karl family and Sarah Ringle of Forget-Me-Not-Baskets for the donation of these very important items to the hospital,” said Darrin Lautenschleger, hospital director of community relations. “The items provided by the Karl family through Forget-Me-Not-Baskets will assist the hospital and our community in supporting families who experience a loss during pregnancy or childbirth. We thank the Karls and Forget-Me-Not-Baskets for this very special and heartfelt donation.”
Jess said most leave the hospital with a baby, but sadly some do not. She said on a most difficult day you are able to look in the bag and take out an item that will help with the grief.
The bag of items is brought to the mother in the hospital before she leaves. In the past, the OB/GYN nurses have been providing gifts.
A gift of a stuffed gray elephant is given to any siblings with the saying “We were going to have a baby — but received an angel.” Elephants are printed on handkerchiefs and other materials that are in the bags. Elephants never forget, and love their babies.
There are bags available for fathers, smaller bags of items for those that suffer a miscarriage, and grandparents and other bereavement packages.
Jess said providing the Forget-Me-Not Baskets has made her feel honored that Colson can be the reason people in our area will come to know Forget-Me-Not Organization.
“While I am sad they experience the grief of losing a child, I’m relieved to know they will be provided a little extra love and comfort such a devastating time,” she said.
In 2007, Sara Ringler, Forget-Me-Not Baskets founder and president, was asked to provide a random act of kindness for a friend. She donated a basket of items that would be helpful to a mother who experienced a loss during pregnancy or childbirth to the Wooster Community Hospital. After the basket was given away, the nurses requested additional baskets.
For additional information about Forget-Me-Not Baskets, visit the website at foregetmenotbaskets.com or its Facebook page or send email to fmnbaskets@gmail.com.
The Link LonkMay 30, 2021 at 03:15PM
https://www.timesreporter.com/story/news/2021/05/30/forget-me-not-baskets-meant-offer-comfort-after-losses/5250238001/
Forget-Me-Not Baskets meant to comfort after losses during pregnancy or childbirth - New Philadelphia Times Reporter
https://news.google.com/search?q=forget&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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