Day 10: Donate a toy for a six year old. Ideally send it to your local hospital

Ana Sofia and I grew up in the same place but never met. One of her cousins and I were camp counsellors in the same summer camp (to this day, my favourite job ever!) for one season and we were friends on social media. I launched my page on October 2nd, Ana Sofía reached out to me on October 8th and we have been very close friends that have never met ever since. 

I went over to buy the toy today and decided we will take it to the hospital tomorrow with the girls so that they fully take part in this. I want my kids, above all, to be kind and have empathy, so having them come with me to drop the toy will hopefully help them take a step in the right direction. Thinking about what I want for my daughters, I remembered a spectacular post that Ana Sofía published on Elisa's first birthday (where the photo is from): “I dreamed of health, joy and faith for you. I dreamed and wished for you to have courage, that you would be daring, confident, intelligent, persevering. Compassionate, loving, kind, responsible. I never wanted you to lack love, I wanted a smile to always be on your face and warmth in your heart. I wanted humility, simplicity and gratitude to accompany you throughout your life. Today, I am sure that, wherever you are, you are already much more than what I dreamed for you. Happy first birthday Elisa Helena. I love you with all my soul daughter, and I miss you in every moment of my life. God bless you always"

This time, Ana Sofía wrote what she wanted to say, so you are all going to have a break from me and read Ana’s beautiful words about her daughter Elisa. Las adoro a las dos!

My daughter Elisa Helena, who was born sleeping on September 10, 2016, has given me more things than I could give her in her very short life. Among those, a friend like Mariana who is part of my tribe and support, even when distance and time sometimes get in the middle. Like Mariana, I also didn’t know that a perfectly -or at least apparently- healthy baby in her mother's womb could die at the end of the pregnancy. In my case it happened at 39 weeks. I had no idea because no one ever told me, I never saw it in a movie or TV show... Unfortunately, after it happened to me, I heard of MANY similar cases, and sometimes from people incredibly close to me. Why didn't I know anything about this? Why not know that things like these can happen? Why are we silent? There is nothing to be ashamed of, but there is A LOT that we can do just by TALKING and raising awareness about it. Neither Olivia’s nor Elisa’s deaths, as well as many other children, will never be forgotten, much less hidden. We HAVE to speak up, because by doing so, we can save the lives of many other babies. Each mother and father have the right to enjoy the pregnancy of their babies, but they must also know the risks that may arise and be prepared to face them. It is the only way to bring our children into the world... and have the privilege that many of us have not had: to bring them home with us. On June 10, I invite you to buy a toy, ideally for a 6-year-old (but it can be for any age!) and donate it to the nearest children's hospital. Olivia, Elisa and many other babies could not come home with us but let’s also always keep in mind that there are many other children needing the strength and joy that a “simple” toy can give them in a difficult moment… when they are fighting for go home with their families. 

Love, Ana Sofia, Elisa Helena’s mom.