Bittersweet

Today I want to share something with all of you that is very near and dear to my heart. As you already know, I had to resign from my position at Agape'Care Cradle, Inc. Although I'm no longer physically present at the office, my heart and my mind are still there...every day. Had my mental health not been so unstable, I am sure I would have spent my next 40 years working for this remarkable organization. I'd like to share a bit about the organization with you.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Agape'Care Cradle, it is a non-profit, uniquely specialized funeral center that provides services for families who have lost a baby. The tragic loss of a baby is so often met with so many emotions that the thought of making funeral arrangements for this little one whom the parents had so many hopes and dreams for seems insurmountable. Agape'Care Cradle helps comfort the parents, family, and friends by making the last moments with their baby as special as possible. This is done by making precious memory items, capturing unforgettable pictures, and allowing the parents time to hold their sweet child as long as they need to say goodbye. The services provided are irreplacable and a vital resource to all communities...I promise you that one day, no matter where you are in the United States, there will be an Agape'Care Cradle, Inc. in a nearby city helping families in need.

I am moved beyond words to be involved with such an organization--one that has, without hesitation, stepped into the lives of a broken mother or struggling young couple who could not afford even the least expensive traditional funeral service and created a setting of such love, dignity, and closure. In the brief time I worked at ACC, I cannot count the number of times I heard people say, "I couldn't do that, Sarah." Or, "Why don't you work somewhere less depressing?" Or, "Ew, that's gross! I can't believe you're working in a mortuary!" But, let me tell you, it was the most meaningful job I've ever had. Yes, it was sad; yes, it was heartbreaking; yes, it was depressing; yes, it was uncomfortable at times; but, it was so rewarding...so heartwarming to visit with the families, so humbling to be a part of an opportunity to serve such precious creations of our Almighty Creator!

All this said to say this:
Yes, I want to find a way to prevent infant deaths, prenatal problems, and SIDS; yes, I want to raise funds; yes, ...but I want to do it to somehow make it right for these babies...for the moms and dads...for the brothers & sisters. I want people to know who those babies were and that they mattered. I want people to know that when I think of what these mamas and daddys had and what they lost it makes me ill...there were moments in the midst of the business of the organization that I would just have to walk away from it all and cry. I was so overcome by raw emotion for what these parents had gone through that I just had to stop. I didn't want anyone to think for a minute that their little baby was going to get lost and become some brand name. Not as long as Agape'Care Cradle is around. We're in it to win it, and we're in it for those gorgeous baby girls and handsome baby boys who were not here nearly long enough.

If you feel so inclined to help a worthy organization, please consider helping Agape'Care Cradle, Inc. For more information, please visit the website, www.agapecarecradle.org

Big Love,
Sarah