Since Brooks’ Bereavement Bears has been founded, over two-hundred bears have been donated to mothers experiencing a miscarriage. This is the story of one of those mamas, Kaitlynn Smith.
Kait is from Carrollton, Ohio. In January of 2022, Kait and her boyfriend, Austin, were expecting a baby; it was the first time she had ever been pregnant. When the couple went to their first ultrasound appointment, there was a gestational sac, but no baby inside. A couple days after the appointment, Kait had a miscarriage.
“Our hearts were broken, but we got through it just by loving each other,” Kait said.
On July 3rd, 2022, Kait experienced her second miscarriage. At the time, she did not know that she was pregnant. Kait and Austin continued to lean on each other as life went on.
“As the months went by after that, I was scared and sad thinking it was my fault,” Kait explained.
April 14th, 2023, Kait found out she was pregnant for the third time. There were many emotions and feelings with this pregnancy.
“I was super nervous, but so, so excited. I thought we were finally going to have our rainbow after the storm.”
After a few ultrasounds, there was a baby with a strong heartbeat. It seemed like a normal, healthy pregnancy. Sadly, on May 18th, 2023, Kait experienced her third miscarriage.
“This one was very painful to go through and I’m still dealing with it,” Kait said. “God is who I run to. He keeps me calm and keeps me faithful. He keeps me hopeful for a brighter future.”
After Kait’s second miscarriage, she watched an interview of Taylor Prelac on Facebook, which is when she first found Brooks’ Bereavement Bears.
“I felt so happy in the fact that there was a woman out there doing this for others,” Kait said.
Very soon after, Kait received a message from Taylor, asking for her address so she can have a bear. As it turned out, Kait’s mom had reached out to Taylor on Kait’s behalf.
“I didn’t say anything about it (Brooks’ Bereavement Bears) to anyone. Not even a day later, I got a message from Taylor, the founder herself, asking for my address because my sweet momma had reached out to her about sending me a bear. Ever since, Taylor has been someone I know I can rely and count on,” Kait explained.
During these difficult months, Kait has found Brooks’ Bereavement Bears to be a non-profit that has helped her immensely. She is grateful for her bear, as well as the people behind this organization.
“There have been plenty of nights where I have felt alone or sad, and I just cuddle up to my bereavement bear. It helps ease the pain! The organization also helps me in knowing that I am NOT alone, even when I do feel like it. There are so many women who have gone through this same thing as I have.”
Unfortunately, friends, family, and strangers do not always react in the best way toward mothers experiencing a miscarriage.
“Always remember that this woman is going through one of the hardest things in life,” Kait explained. “It’s not just a ‘bad day,’ it’s a dark day. Be mindful of what you say and how you say things. It may seem genuine, but just think twice, or three times.”
When Kait was asked about any words of encouragement for mothers who are in similar situations, this is what she said:
“Honestly, there is a whole lot that I could say, but sometimes, words will never help. Just know that you are not alone. It’s not your fault. You are worthy of being a mother. You are beautiful. Everyone grieves differently, and everyone feels differently. Your way of grieving is not wrong or invalid.
What I try to steer to the most, is just going into prayer. It has seemed to really help ease my mind and makes me feel less lonely.”
“I would love to thank Taylor Prelac for her beautiful organization. I would also love to thank all my family and friends for being here for Austin and me through this.” – Kait Smith
0 Comments