Losing a baby is an unimaginable pain that no parent should have to endure. Yet, for those who do, finding ways to honor their child’s memory can be a crucial part of the healing process. In this post, we share the inspiring story of Erin Tennant, a mother who turned her grief into a powerful force for positive change in her life and the lives of others.
Erin’s Story:
Erin Tennant experienced the heartbreaking loss of her son, Max, who was stillborn at seven months gestation. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Erin made a profound decision: to honor Max by taking charge of her health and wellness. This choice led her on a transformative journey, resulting in a 130-pound weight loss and the founding of her own health coaching business, Grow Well Coaching.
The Grief Process:
Erin’s journey wasn’t straightforward. She experienced feelings of numbness, anger, and self-blame – all common reactions to such a loss. However, she eventually reached a turning point where she realized that continuing to punish herself wasn’t the tribute she wanted to pay to her son.
Honoring Max Through Self-Care:
Erin’s approach to honoring Max was unique and deeply personal. Instead of traditional memorials, she chose to live her life fully and intentionally. She asked herself, “How would I treat my body and mind if I were caring for Max?” This perspective shift allowed her to transform her relationship with food and exercise from one of punishment to one of nurturing and self-compassion.
Key Takeaways for Grieving Parents:
- There’s no “right” way to grieve. Your journey is unique to you.
- It’s okay to feel angry, sad, or numb. These are normal reactions to loss.
- When you’re ready, consider how you want to honor your baby’s memory.
- Self-care can be a powerful way to pay tribute to your child.
- Healing is a lifelong journey. Be patient with yourself.
The Impact of Loss on the Whole Family:
Erin emphasizes that the loss affects not just the mother, but the entire family. She discusses how her husband and living children process the loss differently, highlighting the importance of open communication and respecting each person’s grieving style.
Finding Comfort in Reminders:
For Erin, white butterflies serve as a comforting reminder of Max. These small, unexpected moments can provide solace and a sense of connection to the baby who is no longer physically present.
Erin’s story reminds us that while the pain of losing a baby never truly goes away, it is possible to find meaningful ways to honor their memory and move forward with love and purpose. Whether through self-care, open communication with family, or finding comfort in everyday reminders, there are many ways to keep your baby’s memory alive while healing and growing.
You can find out more about Erin and Grow Well Coaching here: https://www.thegrowwellcoach.com/about
Jennifer Senn is a certified life coach who is also a bereaved mom of twin girls born at 32 weeks. She helps stillbirth moms let go of guilt, process their grief, and figure out what’s next for their future. You can learn more about her and schedule a free support session at jennifersenn.com.
