After I published the last post I was eating dinner when I received a call from my friend Jennifer. I talked about her in a previous post, along with her husband Mike. They’re good friends who have helped, and supported me on this journey.
Jennifer told me that the 24 year old son of friends of theirs was a victim of suicide this past Saturday. It broke my heart to hear the news even though I didn’t know him, or his family. Suicide is a tragedy period. I’ll write something about suicide in a day or so, but for now, I want to honor parents who have lost a child, no matter how old that child is.
I have a child who died many years ago. I think losing a child is the worst pain anyone can experience. So I decided to post this letter tonight.
A couple of years ago I was honored to be asked by Medium, and bereaved mom, Natalie Blakeslee-Smith to join her doing readings on-line for her group of bereaved parents. One of the parents was Rosaleen Bellamy. During the session I reconnected Rosaleen with her daughter Denise.
What follows is Rosaleen’s story about that event. You can find Natalie @ http://www.loveandlight.com/.
I’ve Learned Many Things…
When my only daughter Denise was born the doctor let an intern deliver her. When they brought her to me her was so black and blue I started to cry. I was told that this happens sometimes and she would be fine. But I knew in my heart that I would not have her for very long and something said to me, “Enjoy her because she won’t be with you for long.” This feeling stayed with me all the time and haunted me. So I held on to every moment I had with her. Denise was born July 14th., 1978 and died December 28th., 1984. She was 6 -1/2 yrs. young when she crossed over from a brain tumor.
For a year Denise had violent headaches and was vomiting and lost a pile of weight. I took Denise to our family doctor, and he said there was nothing wrong with her. When I suggested a brain tumor, the doctor laughed in my face and said I was an overprotective mother. This bothered me to no end so I took Denise to my old doctor and he knew right away; he said to me, “I am sorry Rosaleen, you have a very sick little girl here.” I knew then she would not live and my heart just sank.
When they operated the brain surgeon could only get 1/3 of the tumor and the cancer spread throughout her little body. The doctor told my hubby and me that he could save her BUT she would be in a wheelchair and not likely know us and be in the vegetable state… well, we just couldn’t let this happen to our beautiful little girl. She suffered a great deal as they were always doing something to her to keep her going as long as they could. I was told Denise lived as long as she did because I wasn’t ready to let her go.
Now after 23 yrs. I still miss my Angel with every breath I take and I always will. I have learned many things during her illness and since Denise crossed over.., one big one is don’t take “no” for an answer. If you want health care professionals, etc…, to hear you, make sure you don’t give up… talk loud and long. I’ve also learned to reach out and get help for everything I needed help with.
I needed help with the depression, grief and the many, many stages and changes I went through. I had one lady who was a psychologist and she helped me through so much.
I am not saying it is easy by any means but you can make it… I have. It takes time and patience. Don’t try to do it by yourself when there is so much help out there. Don’t try to do it by yourself when there is so much help out there. It is not being weak to seek out help and don’t let anyone let you think it is. It isn’t…..we can’t be strong all the time…life takes its toll on us. Accept each step as it comes if you can… with help you will….I did. It was a tough haul but it can, and does, get a little easier to bear when you have people who care.
If there is anything you wish to do in a special way for your child then do it…..if it helps you … do it. I, and many other moms and dads have made little stands up with pictures and candles, and whatever helps us to stay connected with our children. My little memorial is quite lovely and I made a small pond area and named it “Denise’s pond”. Doing things like this truly helped me.
Talking with others who understand what you’re going through is important also… you need love and understanding. We all do when we are grieving for our children. Group support is something I didn’t have and wish I did, especially internet support groups, since we didn’t have them back that long ago. Joining a bereavement group is very good idea but you’ll need find one that is best for you.
I am on a terrific grief group calling Healing Hearts Haven. This is where I met Anthony. I had heard that he was very good at what he does but I did not know him and had never even heard of him until then. Natalie the moderator had a Chat session and invited Anthony. I remember being 10-15 minutes late, I was busy and forgot actually. So on I went to the chat and Anthony was talking to everyone and before I said anything I called to my daughter Denise… ‘Please honey, come see Mommy tonight’ for I had never been read on the chats before.
All of a sudden I had the most peaceful feeling come over me and I knew Denise was right beside me… what an awesome feeling. Then [suddenly] Anthony said… I have about a 4 year old little girl here…..I started crying and couldn’t answer him…..Natalie and one of the other girls said… “that is Denise … Rosaleen’s daughter”… then I came to. I said, “yes that is my daughter Denise.”
Well the reading was fantastic!!! He told me things no one would have known really … not him for sure … I was stunned. One thing he told me was … “your daughter loves the Angel you put on the tree for her this year.” How could he know?? Every year I buy an Angel for the tree…..I get Denise to let me know which one every year.
He mentioned the memorial I have set up for Denise and “Denise loves this also,” he said. He told me things about my Dad that no one knew! He made me feel so much better and knowing my Mom and Dad are with my daughter, it made me feel so very happy!!
Anthony also told me Denise had a long term illness then told me it was cancer. And told me she had suffered a great deal which she had. I cried all the way through this reading…..for many reasons but the main one was…. Anthony was right on with everything he said!
I thank you again Anthony for the gift you have and that you shared with us that night. I so appreciate what you have done for me. God Bless you my friend for all the comfort you give to others.
Love and light,
Rosaleen Bellamy.
I feel your peace.
Anthony
https://www.anthonyquinata.com
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