On October 26, 2018 at a routine prenatal appointment we found out that our sweet Zechariah’s heart stopped beating. On Monday, October 29th we were admitted to the hospital and induced at 19.5 weeks. We gave birth to our perfect angel baby. Ten fingers, ten toes, 8.5 inches long and 5.5 ounces. He was perfect, he was beautiful, he was our son.
Going to the hospital pregnant, giving birth, holding our child who was born sleeping, placing him in his tiny casket and then leaving the hospital empty handed was the hardest thing we have ever had to do. Telling our two-year-old at the time that his brother was in Heaven and not coming home was a close second.
While in the hospital waiting to deliver, we received a box. This box was from another mama who also gave birth to a sleeping angel. It was full of little things meant to bring some sort of comfort, in a place where comfort wasn’t to be found. The most touching was a handwritten letter, and in that moment I felt loved, I felt comfort, and I knew that I wasn’t alone.
Since Zechariah’s birth we have raised funds and created Zechariah’s Hope Boxes. We have been given the opportunity to share these boxes with the local hospitals, and other mamas who have lost their babies. We have donated over twenty boxes, starting box ministries at new hospitals, and have been told that they are well received and unfortunately very much needed. In fact, when I was in the hospital for three weeks, 5 families during that time gave birth to their angel babies. It is a small way for us to remember Zechariah, to bring a sense of comfort from his death, and to reach out and love other families who are hurting.
Below you will find information to our Hope Mommies Link, if you feel led to donate to Zechariah’s Hope Box Ministry please go to the page and in the “Gathering Hosted by” drop down select Brianna Rubino. This will go on all month and at the end of October we will gather the supplies and put together the boxes.
Thank you in advance for helping us to honor our son and to reach out to future families going through this pain.
Finding Peace after the Storm 