After our daughter passed away in October 2015, I was completely lost. I literally felt as if the world was just moving on when I wanted time to stop and freeze. For everyday that passed I felt I was moving further away from Emery Rose and if I could just hang on to the brief moments we had together that somehow we would remain close. I remember sitting in the house hearing the traffic outside and thinking, “How can I go on without leaving her behind?” It’s hard to even consider the thought that anyone could come close to feeling the pain and anguish I felt and sometimes still do. Family and friends did their best to be there for my husband and I know they felt themselves they just didn’t know what to truly do to comfort us. I was referred to Angel Baby Network by the bereavement coordinator at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Once connecting to Danielle, I immediately had a sense of belonging. Finally, someone I could talk to who really knew the thoughts racing in my head and someone I could share those thoughts with without fear of pity or shame. Driving to the first event I was a little nervous. Being in the Cincinnati area was enough to bring back a flood of memories. It is where I spent the last 5 weeks of my pregnancy camped out in the hospital on a mission to save my daughter. It is where she was born and where she ultimately died. When I was released from the hospital I had declared I was never coming back to Cincinnati and yet there I was driving along the interstate headed to meet someone I had only spoken to via Facebook. After attending the first event/group, I experienced a true connection. We were a group of mothers and fathers who truly understood what this grief thing was all about. I honestly had visions of groups looked like. Parents sitting in a circle passing tissues and continuing to be stuck. Instead, it was nothing like that. I met parents who shared the story of their children. We spent time discussing a topic and most importantly we were all there for each other. I knew I would be back and, in fact, I was already looking forward to it. I left that day with seeing what healthy healing looked like. I have meet parents whom I have formed true friendships. We keep in contact with each other in between events and are truly there for one another. I have a support system now and through our children we are connected for life. –April
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Today was a very helpful and healing day for me. I went to an event through the Angel Baby Network that helps parents (Fathers are included) deal with losing a child. I’m not going to lie I was hesitant about going, because it’s very painful for me to express how I feel deep down inside. I felt shameful of my feeling and thoughts. I thought I was the only one who felt the way I did. I learned today that those thoughts and feeling were “normal” and I wasn’t alone. I want to thank my aunt for introducing me to Danielle Jones, because people always say go get help or its help out there, but they never point you into the right direction to get the help and support that one needs to cope with the lose of a child. Thank you, Auntie, for pointing me into the right direction! I also want to thank my mother for always supporting me and coming with me to the meeting to help me make the first step into healing myself. Thank you Mommy! I also want to thank my family & friends that let my cry on their shoulders when I need it! Although, it’s been almost 5 years it still hurts like it happened today, but today going to this support group gave me some peace, healing, understanding, & support. Today my family has gotten a little bigger. We ate, shared, cried, laughed together, & we all have a special bond with each other. –Tracey
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How lucky am I to have been introduced to such a great group. My journey would not have been successful without the help of The Angel Baby Network. Danielle continues to make a difference in the lives she touches. Danielle is a true definition of healing, and strength and she brings hope for the future.

The loss of a loved one is immeasurable. The thought of knowing that they will no longer be in the next chapter of your life is a hard pill to swallow. What’s left of them or their memories, and of course everyone telling you to move on-and although moving is what we must do-we still are left with unanswered questions. The Angel Baby Network has helped me gain a better understanding of myself, my needs, my personality and effective ways to cope and handle different situations that I am faced with every day. When my daughter was welcomed into the arms of her Heavenly Father 5 years ago, I lost my faith, became bitter and broken and tried to shut everyone out. But as time progressed, I realized that it was not healthy. Being able to talk about her made me feel more and more alive.

Joining this group has also contributed to my goals toward healing being able to hear about others personal experiences and how they remember their loved ones whether it’s on birthdays, saying their names or just simply lighting a candle has reassured me I am not alone and my voice matters. I can now talk about my daughter, and smile. I often have my sad moments at times but knowing that she is safe in the Lord’s arms is enough to be thankful for and although we all grieve differently, we share one thing in common the beautiful soul of our loved ones will never be forgotten. -De’Marla
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It’s been a year since I stepped into the Angel Baby Network meetings. Danielle and I worked at the same company and we always spoke when we passed each other in the halls. She was always so sweet and caring.  My daughter, Karis Erin, passed away on July 5th, 2017  from her cord being detached. As a result, she was unable to breathe. When I delivered her and realized I wouldn’t be able to take her home, it was unbearable. During that time, Danielle was so nice, caring and attentive. She came to my house and offered an Angel Baby Network care package, a hug and a smile. She offered for me to come and join the Angel Baby Network. Initially,  I didn’t want to open up and share with anyone what I was going through. I only wanted to stay in my bed. When I came to one of the meetings for the first time it was such relief to know that I was not ALONE! We ALL had experienced loss and anxiety. And it felt good to know I was a part of a group of people where everyone could share their story, listen to everyone else, cry, laugh and enjoy healthy conversation. EVERY time I leave I feel a relief. No one or nothing can take the pain of me losing my daughter completely away but this group surely helps!  -Kristen