Due to a problem, there is no featured mom for this month
AngelMom Family
God dispatches Angels,
To stay very near,
To color a rainbow,
To wash away a tear.
HE tells them to comfort,
When we are in pain,
To lift us if we stumble,
To help us fly again.
When in trials & struggles,
They often seem to appear,
We find them quite ready,
To draw us very near.
With hearts warm & tender,
They reach out a hand,
Offering sweet encouragement,
So wondrous and grand.
God's Guardian Angels,
Are faithful and so true,
I know that I have found some,
ANGELMOM FAMILY they're YOU!
Author Unknown
Angel Mom Meetings
I was able to go to my 4th retreat this year and it is so great to be able to put faces with names getting to know the Angel Moms and getting to know their angels. We cried together, laughed together and shared a lot of memories. I have met a lot of Angel Moms though these past few years, it's so sad that we have to met this way but the friendships I have gotten these past few years is wonderful. I have also been able to meet Angel Moms by talking to them and finding a meeting place. It is very comforting meeting these mom's and it feels when I meet them I have known them for a long time. If you ever get a chance to meet another Angel Mom you will understand what I mean, You see each other and it's instant hugs and you feel like you will never be alone again, they understand how you feel, you know they care for your angel and you care for their's. I joined this group just a few months after Tiffany passed away feeling so lost and so lonely in my grief. Being in this wonderful Angel Mom group has helped me so much and I know I'm not alone. I hope you all find as much comfort here that I have. I know our children are so happy that we have each other to lean on and I feel our children have brought us all together . I know our children are watching us from Heaven and they are together.
Last mom was the Angel Moms Retreat. I am glad I was able to attend again this year and get to meet new moms and also connect again with moms I have met before. We shared a lot of memories, tears, laughter and made memories with each other. We shared photos, videos and mementos of our children and lots of hugs.
I want to thank the retreat committee for making it all possible. Loni, Holly and Laurie, you did a wonderful job. I also want to thank each mom who came to retreat for making it the wonderful experience it was. Each of you gave a part of yourself and shared your heart and your angel with the rest of us. I am thankful I got to share this special time with all of you.
Well, another Angel Moms Retreat has come and gone! I think everyone who attended would agree that it went by too fast! Weather delayed flights, very hot temperatures, and silly string battles aside, it was a wonderful weekend. Coming together with a group of moms who are walking the same path is very healing. There was some nervousness as each new mom arrived at the airport that first day, some never having met most of the other moms, but by the end of the weekend, we shared tearful goodbyes and genuine « I love you’s », and were bonded together like we had known each other forever. As each of us shared our stories during the weekend, the tears flowed and hugs were given. We were able to laugh with the funny memories too. No matter how we lost our children or at what age, I think the basic emotions are the same, and there is great comfort in knowing that we are not alone in feeling the things we do, and that there is hope for the future. We help to give each other strength and support, and help each other get through the tears as the grief comes pouring out. I think it’s important to take time, whether it’s a whole weekend, a day, or even an hour or 10 minutes here and there, to let the feelings flow and face the horrible loss we have suffered. It is not easy, but it’s an important part of the healing process. If we keep it all bottled up inside it will tear us apart. Being with a group of moms who knows all of the same feelings can ease some of the burden. That is a big part of what the retreat is all about. Even if you are unable to attend an Angel Moms retreat, you can have your own personal retreat. Find out if you live near any other Angel Moms, and make a date to come together and celebrate your children, even if it’s just for an afternoon. It is well worth the time and you will feel much stronger for having done it. Or you can make plans to join us at next year’s Angel Moms retreat! It’s a wonderful experience, and I know that I have lifetime friends because if it. Wishing you all much love and peace in your hearts.
Krista, Angel Zackary’s Mom
http://www.angelfire.com/oh5/zackary
Hello Angel Moms and welcome to the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. It’s August already and the heat is on! I think it is safe to say that no matter where you live ( in the USA anyway) it’s HOT! Since the heat causes fatigue, and fatigue is also brought on by grief, I thought I would pass on a few tips to help you cope. I know I have been tired lately and no wonder! The weather has been unforgiving the last few weeks and on top of that we are all grieving. It has been five years since I lost my daughter but I still have periods of deep hurt and loss. I guess that will happen forever along this journey we all travel broken hearted. So when you are missing your angel and feeling especially lost and tired remember to:
· Get enough sleep. A regular sleep routine will be of benefit. If you are tired during the day, give yourself a chance to sit or lie down. Resting your body will help your emotional recovery. A restful night’s sleep is important and is also adversely affected by caffeine, medications, heavy smoking and alcohol.
· Avoid chemicals. Though you may crave a chemical to help you get through this time, try your best to steer clear of substances like alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, because their side effects can be unhelpful in the long-term. For instance, instead of coffee, opt for green tea, which is less jolting to your energy.
· Exercise regularly. If you are physically able, take a brisk walk in the morning or at lunchtime. Choose something that will motivate you to get out of bed. Whether you feel like it or not, get some sort of physical exercise every day.
· Eat well. Even if it’s the furthest thing from your mind, pay attention to the quality of what you eat. Take the time to eat nutritious meals while sitting down, avoiding processed or ‘fast’ food (even though you may be pressed for time and not feel like cooking.
To all of you yet to take your summer vacation, I wish you a safe and fun trip! If you’ve returned from your vacation I hope it was enjoyable and if you stayed home this summer I hope it was peaceful. May all of our angels take a “vacation” and visit us in our dreams.
My “Wedding” Dress Well, Girls, I finally did it. My oldest son is getting married on September 30th and I have ordered a dress. I have been resisting searching for a dress-well, a gown. That is what is expected. Yuck! My husband, 16 year old son and I went to the bridal store that my soon-to-be daughter-in-law had chosen her wedding dress and my oldest son had selected the tuxedos. Chris and Matt are in the wedding party. So, Matt ordered his tuxedo as did my husband. I cannot believe how much money goes into a wedding. My wedding gown was a sample off the rack-no alterations were required. I tried on several dresses, with my son and husband sitting and giving their opinions. The first gown was “beautiful” per my husband. I pointed to the $750 price tag and he smiled. I finally selected a dress that is fine, not spectacular, but respectable-$840.
Okay, here is the punch line. Are you ready? My husband stepped forward as the sales person wrote up the order and said that he would like to pay for the gown. She told him that a deposit was all that was required….a deposit of $400. He handed over his credit card, I took the copy of the sales order and we left. When we got outside, Jim said that he had no idea that the dress was so much. I looked at him quizzically. “Didn’t you see the price tag on the first dress?”, I asked. Well, yes he had seen the price, however, he thought that I was renting the dress, just as he was renting a tuxedo!
I wish I could rent the dress. I said, “You all had better like that dress-I will be wearing it to everyone’s wedding!” Men! I am surrounded and there is little hope for me except for my Angel Mom sisters! Wish me luck! It is all downhill from here.
We've lost our children in so many tragic ways and I am trying to focus on those causes each month in our newsletter. I know that there are some causes of death that some of us don't know or understand what they are, so I'm hoping this will help us all understand a little better. I am also going to list each of our Angels with their cause of death that I am writing about that month. I will do my best not to miss anyone's name, so please help me by looking to see if your Angel is listed on the Angel Moms "How We Lost Our Angels" page at www.angelmoms.com/causes.html. If your Angel isn't listed, then please send me their information, so I do not miss anyone. It's very important that each Angel is remembered. I hope my articles will enlighten each of us on the different ways we've lost our children. I'm sorry for all of your losses and will do my best to be gentle with how you lost your child/children/grandchildren. I encourage anyone to write to me and send any information they have to help me with my articles. Next month I will be writing about angels that were murdered. God Bless You ALL!
Love & Hugs,
Melody ~ Angel Adam
SIDS or CRIB DEATH
* Definition: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected, sudden death of any infant or child under one year old, in which an autopsy does not show an explainable cause of death.
* Causes, incidence, and risk factors: SIDS rates have dropped dramatically since 1992, when parents were first told to put babies to sleep on their backs or sides to reduce the likelihood of SIDS. Unfortunately, SIDS remains a significant cause of death in infants under one year old. Thousands of babies die of SIDS in the U.S. each year.
The cause of SIDS is unknown, although there are several theories. Many physicians and researchers now believe that SIDS is not a single condition that is always caused by the same medical problems, but infant death caused by several different factors.
These factors may include problems with sleep arousal or an inability to sense a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood. Almost all SIDS deaths occur without any warning or symptoms when the infant is thought to be sleeping.
SIDS is most likely to occur between 2 and 4 months of age, and 90% occur by 6 months of age. It occurs more often in winter months, with the peak in January. There is also a greater incidence in Native Americans and African-Americans.
The following factors increase the risk of SIDS:
Babies who sleep on their stomachs
Babies who have soft bedding in the crib
Multiple birth babies
Premature babies
Babies with a sibling who had SIDS
Mothers who smoke or use illegal drugs
Teen mothers
Short intervals between pregnancies
Late or no prenatal care
Situations of poverty
Boys are affected more than girls. While studies show that babies with these risk factors are more likely to be affected, the impact or importance of each factor is not well-defined or understood.
* Symptoms: There are no symptoms. Babies who die of SIDS do not appear to suffer or struggle.
* Signs and tests: Autopsy results are not able to confirm a cause of death, but may help add to the existing knowledge about SIDS. Autopsies may be required by state law in the event of unexplainable death.
* Support Groups: Parents who have lost a child to SIDS are in tremendous need of emotional support. Because no cause is found for the infant's death, many parents suffer from guilt feelings. These feelings may be aggravated by investigations of police or others who, by law, must determine the cause of death. Timing of a subsequent pregnancy is a concern for many parents after experiencing SIDS.
* Prevention: To reduce the chance of SIDS, put babies to sleep (naps included) on their backs. DO NOT put babies to sleep on their stomachs. Also avoid soft bedding. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has stated that "as many as 900 infant deaths each year are still associated with suffocation in soft bedding." They recommend babies be placed on a firm, tight-fitting mattress, with no comforter.
In the past, for homes in which there has been a previous sibling death from SIDS, home apnea (breathing) monitors were recommended.
But research found that they had no effect, and the use of home monitors has largely stopped. Until the nature of the disease is fully understood, complete prevention will not be a reality.
* Other recommendations include:
Do NOT let your baby become too hot.
Do NOT lay your baby on pillows, bean bags, or sheepskin mattresses.
Keep your baby in a smoke-free environment.
Breastfeed your baby, if possible -- breastfeeding reduces some upper respiratory infections that may influence the development of SIDS.
NEVER give honey to a child less than 1 year old -- honey in very young children may cause infant botulism, which may be associated with SIDS.
*************************************************
BABY ANGELS
Listen, can you hear that tinkling?
Silver bells upon the breeze,
Angel wings are fluttering softly,
In and out amongst the trees.
Fluffy clouds are up there floating,
And on them baby angels sleep,
On and on they slowly drift by,
The tiny souls they safely keep.
How I wish and want and wonder,
Where our tiny babies are?
Are they sleeping with the angels?
They are so near and yet so far.
Golden sunbeams shine upon me,
Each new day new hope does bring,
Listen, can you hear that tinkling?
Hear our baby Angels sing?
Michelle 26.07.04
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Our SIDS Angels
Angel Aislinn (Donna) Angel Alaina (Tiffany) Angel Alexis (Heather) Angel Andrew (Havivah) Angel Angelique (Elizabeth) Angel Ashton (Melissa)
Angel Ben (Jeni) Angel Bradlee (Dawn) Angel Bridget (Kelly) Angel Bruce (Lupita)
Angel Cadence (Cher) Angel Catherine (Debra) Angel Charles (Sara) Angel Christopher (Mary) Angel Colin (Robin)
Angel Dalasia (Shundrica) Angel Danielle (Sueann) Angel Dennie (Mary) Angel Destinee (Connie) Angel Destiny (Christine) Angel Devin (Jennifer)
Angel Elijah (Jessica) Angel Elijh (Melissa)
Angel Francesca (Lara)
Angel Georgina (Nicki) Angel Giovani (Erica)
Angel Heather (Patricia)
Angel Jackson (Joanna) Angel Jay (Joanne) Angel Jered (Cindy) Angel Jeremiah (Tammara) Angel Joseph (Melissa) Angel Joshua (Emma) Angel Joshua (Miriam)
Angel Karl (Johanna) Angel Kayla (Tammy) Angel Kiersten (Jeanne)
Angel Layla (Jackie) Angel Logan (Becki) Angel Logan (Holly) Angel Logan (Melissa)
Angel Meaghan (Kerri) Angel Meaghan (Margaret) Angel Melissa (Virginia)
Angel Nathaniel (JoAnne)
Angel Ryan (Kathy)
Angel Shawna (Loressa) Angel Steven (Gail)
Angel Teddy (Patricia) Angel Timothy (Jennifer) Angel Tristen (Melissa) Angel Tyrell (Cristy)
Angel Vanessa (Andrea)
Angel Zackary (Rainie)
Treat Machines
Click here for instructions: Treat Machine instructions
Acts Of Kindness
The Act Of Kindness Award will be given to an AngelMom that was nominated for their kindness and thoughtfulness. It will not be a contest, it is "Thank You" kind of award. Anyone can be nominated. If someone has touched your heart by doing something special, please nominate them by emailing Loni. There is no exclusions, everyone is included. We will list each member that has received an Award.
Acts of Kindness for July were presented to:
Jenny Fredrick by The Retreat Group
Jenny Fredrick by Melody Hill
Nancy Davis by Brenda Riley
The 2006 Retreat Committee members, Loni, Judi Holly, and Laurie by Arlene, Cathy, Charity, Connie, Crystal, Denise, Diana, Donna, Karen, Kelly, Kim, Krista, Mauriann, Melody, Wedgie
Angel Mom's Acts of Kindness
Remembering the lives lost in Hurricane Katrina
One year ago this month, many lives were lost in one of the worst weather disasters in the United States.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Katrina and their families.
Katrina Victims Tribute
Hurricane Katrina Memorials
A Hurricane Katrina Memorial
CROCK POT STROGANOFF
2 lb. round steak
1/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic bits
3 tbsp. butter
1 sm. onion, chopped
1 tbsp. soy sauce
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. water
Cut steak into 1 x 1/2 inch strips. Mix with flour, pepper, salt and garlic. Add to crock pot with rest of ingredients. Cook on low for 5 hours. Stir occasionally. Last 1/2 hour, add 1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese, cubed. Serve over cooked wide noodles.
Penguin Cake
INGREDIENTS:
1 (14-ounce) package angel food cake
5-6 Tablespoons light rum
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 eggs
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
Dash of salt
1-1/2 pints whipping cream, divided
2 Tablespoons sugar
3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds or Chocolate shavings for garnish
TO PREPARE:
1. Break cake into 2-inch pieces onto a cookie sheet. Sprinkle with rum. Set aside.
2. Melt chocolate over simmering water in a double Boiler, stirring constantly. Add eggs 1 at a time. Add vanilla and salt and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
3. Whip 1/2 pint of the whipping cream, adding the sugar Gradually until stiff peaks are formed. Fold into Chocolate mixture.
4. In a buttered 9-inch spring form pan, layer cake with Chocolate mixture, beginning and ending with the cake. There should be 3 layers of cake and 2 of chocolate.
5. Refrigerate cake for at least 6 hours. After that Time, run a sharp knife around the sides of the pan And then remove pan sides. Whip remaining pint of Whipping cream with 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar And generously frost top and sides of cake. Sprinkle With chopped nuts or shaved chocolate. Store in Refrigerator or cover and freeze.
SERVES: 8 - 10
Anjelique Camille Augustin
Born 1/23/06 passed-4/7/06
due to SIDS..
INVISIBLE TEARS
Invisible tears that are done when everyone is asleep… Invisible tears that are shed when your brothers or daddy are not near…
Invisible tears after someone tells me oh your looking well…
Invisible tears that fall after looking and missing your beautiful smile..
Invisible tears that no one sees but you and our Lord..
So funny to say they are invisible as I feel them fall from my eyes…
Invisible tears that I sometimes wish people would observe but don’t or can’t perceive….
Invisible tears that come from so deep from within if I don’t let them out they will surely drown me…
So I wipe my invisible tears until next time … I can have my moment of Invisible tears…
Elizabeth
anjelique-augustin.memory-of.com
Happy birthday Christopher Lohmann, our little man, hope we get a sign on you're birthday that you are with us. We miss you so so much, you're always in our hearts and minds, there isn't a day that goes by that you're not there. Every butterfly I see reminds us of you, you're a special person even from heaven and I know you're always with us helping us out, now if you can help Jay's dream come true. As you know he has a puppy now, he's cute but bites. I know its a lot to ask but I truly think he would make a wonderful father and I think you know that too, so see what you can do, we all love you so much.
Love, Dad, Mom, Michele, Jason and now Jen.
Happy Birthday in Heaven from all the relatives
Some Links To Share
Angels Footprints
If You Ever Need Me
Should You Go First
In Loving Memory Decals
“Death is nothing at all; I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I and you are you; Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name, Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone; Wear no forced air or solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, Just around the corner. All is well.”
Canon Henry Scott Holland
(1847-1918, England.)
Memorial Donations
In Loving Memory of
Tyler Alexander Johnson by Momma, Daddy and Zach
Austin Baker by Mom
Angel Moms Newsletter-August Printable Version
If you have something you would like included in next months newsletter, please e-mail Judi
Editor: Judi,
Staff: Brenda,Krista, Lynn, Laurie, Holly, Linda, Melody,
Angel Moms Web Site
