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Bereavement

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My beautiful red-headed 13-month daughter died totally unexpectedly

999 replies

MiaAlexandrasmummy · 19/11/2011 14:12

I have never posted on mumsnet before, while my beautiful Mia was alive, although I read all the advice often. So I feel a bit of a fraud now - I can't be her mummy anymore.

She died nearly four weeks ago now. We had the most beautiful, touching service, with our families from all over the world with us, and we have been so touched by all the love shown to us by friends, friends of family, friends of friends, and even people who we don't even know.

But I hurt so much. The pain returns afresh each day, overwhelming me, even though I am managing to get up, get out of the house, and function on a basic level.

Mia wasn't supposed to die. She was so happy, developing well, eating well, with no sign of illness. But she was, it turns out.

I am her mummy, and she spent so much time with me. How could I not know?? How can we go on and adapt to a life without her? Obviously, people manage somehow, but I keep fighting the fact that she is really gone, and we will never see her smile again, kiss her soft curls or hold her in our arms. It is so wrong.

OP posts:
AitchTwoOh · 20/11/2011 23:54

i am so sorry, she sounds like a darling.

differentnameforthis · 21/11/2011 06:57

So sorry for your loss.

CURIOUSPARENT · 21/11/2011 07:11

Life is so very cruel and I am so very sorry for your loss.

xxx

ohbugrit · 21/11/2011 08:57

What beautiful poems. She sounds like a very special little girl.

MustControlFistOfDeath · 21/11/2011 09:13

Oh no, so sorry to hear about your loss xxx

MiaAlexandrasmummy · 21/11/2011 11:11

Every child is special. It's just that Mia is ours. Our sunny, squeaky, curious little girl with a halo of crazy red curls.

Our world is upside down, and a very cruel place right now. No one can make it better, despite so many wanting to do so.

OP posts:
QOD · 21/11/2011 16:59

Do you have any other children? How are they coping? I do feel for you so much xx

MiaAlexandrasmummy · 21/11/2011 17:21

No, Mia is our first and only child. I am 41, so while my DH and I already know that we would love to be parents again, biology may not be on our side. At the same time, if I do manage to get pregnant, I will have feelings of guilt, as right now, the only child I want is Mia.

OP posts:
QOD · 21/11/2011 17:26

Oh my goodness. I know exactly what you are saying. Another child wouldn't replace Mia in ANY way, I just don't have words.
All children are so precious, are you being well supported in "the real" world? Do you have friends doing things for you, are you eating, sleeping, coping.

x

chipmonkey · 21/11/2011 17:30

Mia, I conceived and gave birth to Sylvie-Rose at 42 so you never know! Of course no child is ever a replacement for another one but you could very well be parents again.

MiaAlexandrasmummy · 21/11/2011 17:37

chipmonkey appreciate the words of encouragement. Will stay positive on that little bit of my life.

QOD I am surrounded (protected?) by lots of love from family and friends near and far. Lucky in that regard. Done the grief weight loss thing, back to eating now. But also know that some day next month, will be home alone as DH goes back to work and family go home. They would stay in an instant if I ask though. Realise I will have to face RW sooner or later, so trying to do all the hardest stuff while people are still with me.

OP posts:
Bossybritches22 · 21/11/2011 17:39

Mia's Mum,nothing I can add to help at all, the pain must be so raw for you both.

Have been reading this thread in tears with my 14yr old who came in to see why I was crying.

We loved the poems, and the idea of Mia's Wood, and my daughter has asked if we can contribute a tree too, and of course we will in time when you have sorted it out. A practical project that will give you a focus in these early dark days.

She suggested getting "one of those with lovely red leaves in autumn Mum like Mia's hair"

Don't know if you are a hugger but here's one from us all < Mia'smum & Dad>

ballroomblitz · 21/11/2011 17:44

I actually cried reading this. I had to post even though I have no idea what you are going though. So sorry for your loss

MiaAlexandrasmummy · 21/11/2011 17:46

bossybritches I am definitely a hugger, please send one back to your daughter. I showed your post to my mother who is crying now at your kind gestures.

As it happens, Mia's cousins collected autumn leaves for the celebration of her life, and we intend to put a glorious red maple leaf on the cards we want to send out to all the people who have sent their sympathy.

OP posts:
Bossybritches22 · 21/11/2011 17:51

awww Mia'sgran hugs to you too!

Maple leaf trees are beautiful all year round, and their autumn leaves are indeed glorious, what a lovely idea.

Gertiegoolash · 21/11/2011 18:02

So sorry for the loss of your baby girl, my thoughts are with you and your family x

Whatevertheweather · 21/11/2011 18:03

Oh Miasmummy - you are coping with such grace and dignity. I'm in awe of you. I'm sure you don't feel it inside. I bet Mia will be so so proud of you right now.

The RW can be scary after such an awful loss. Be gentle with yourself. Baby steps is how I've been managing. Take it a day at a time. So days you will feel strong enough to face things. Others you will feel like hiding away and crying. Both are fine and totally normal. Big hugs from one Angel mum to another xxx

KissMyA · 21/11/2011 18:07

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Sending you a hug x

wisebird · 21/11/2011 18:09

I am so sorry for you Sad. How devastating for you and your DH and all your family. I don't know what to say other than that you were clearly blessed for 13 months, as was Mia to be so loved. I wish so much for you that it had been decades. Of course you will always and for ever be her Mummy. xxx

newpup · 21/11/2011 18:16

I am so sorry. Your pain must be truly awful. x

MiaAlexandrasmummy · 21/11/2011 18:33

Not brave, not courageous, not anything except filled with love and immense sadness for my beautiful, glorious girl who filled our days with such happiness. And overwhelmed by all the supportive messages from MNers.

One breath at a time, one step at a time.

OP posts:
Greensleeves · 21/11/2011 18:37

I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how you must be feeling Sad

but I am lighting a candle for your little girl xx

hermionestranger · 21/11/2011 18:45

I'm so sorry for your loss of Mia. she sounded amazing.

There is a company that does forest creating in memory of loved ones. On another forum I use we recently lost a dearly lived member and we created a forest for him. It us called Gainseys Grove, I'll try and find the name of the company.

In the meantime take care of yourselves and huge hugs to .you. X

bubblebubblebubblepop · 21/11/2011 18:49

I am so sorry for your loss. Mia sounds like a lovely little girl. Sending lots of hugs your way.

We have a beautiful acer tree in our garden which has fantastic red leaves. I would love to buy one for Mia's Wood once it's all set up.

Take care of yourselves. X

sleepatlast · 21/11/2011 18:49

You are and always will be mia's mummy. Life is so cruel. I will think of your little one when I pass the red autumn leaves. Be kind to yourself. It's ok to be angry and don't feel guilty if you smile or have a good day.the grief will come in waves but let people help you swim. Book your relatives or friends in for something every month or week...sometimes it hits when everyone has gone home but it's ok to recall the troops. Making a wood in her memory sounds lovely. Massive hugs for you at this horrid time.Xx