Outside Forces that change the course of your life.

Julie,

Wow back to ya! The feeling is mutual. Honestly.

I just visited your site. I could have spent all day there...in fact, I probably will!

I read Marlena's stories. What a wonderful tribute...and one that I could totally relate to.
So touching. I especially love the balloon story.

I belong to a national organization called Compassionate Friends. It is for parents and siblings of deceased children. I have met many bereaved mothers (and fathers) who came to our monthly meetings to share their personal grief about their children who died at birth. Their grief is every bit as deep as those of us whose loved ones passed away at 2...10...14...20... years of age.

There is a huge convention every year for Compassionate Friends. A few years ago, I was asked to create the speaker gifts for that year's convention - carved eggshells, of course. There were about 70 speakers in all. It was a very memorable occasion with over a thousand in attendance from all over America.

One of the reasons that I am mentioning this is because I think that you have so much to offer this group if you are setting out on a course of public speaking. The lectures/workshops range from comforting the newly bereaved...all the way to more advanced 'aftercare' and how to deal with the emotions that spring up years down the road after the death of a child. Many parents (and siblings) of deceased children are desperately wanting to know how to put their lives back together again after a prolonged state of grief.

Actually... many people get 'stuck' in the healing process and they stay there. Some for the rest of their lifetimes. That is so unfortunate, but I've seen it all too often in my associations through this organization. Many become bitter and hardened by their experience and are never the same. Others who are able to successfully 'reach' these and to serve as a 'catalyst' to help these people to get back on track are rare, in my opinion.

Most bereaved parents do have so much to continue living for. Many have other children who linger in the shadows of their deceased brother or sister's memory.

Yet, there almost seems to be a guilt complex associated with laughing and enjoying life once again. They've lost their joy...and they simply don't know how to get it back again. To put it plain and simple, they get into a rut and live in a state of limbo.

Perhaps you are acquainted with this wonderful national organization - Compassionate Friends. After viewing your site, I just thought that you would be someone who has so much to offer those who are so in need of restoring their passion for life. Perhaps you might want to give consideration to offering to share yourself and your experience with the members of this group at one of their national conventions. I think that you would be an excellent speaker for that group.

Yes, I believe that all of our experiences happen for a reason. Even the painful ones. They change our existence and give us more depth of character. And from the lessons we learn, we are sometimes able to develop a new life 'mission'.
Julie,I am so impressed with what you are doing.

I'm sure that I can learn a lot from you. And, I'm so happy that you will be an esteemed 'regular' here. Now, I must go back and visit your site and just luxuriate in all the great information that you offer.

The world will be a much better place when 'Julie Jordan Scott' becomes an everyday 'house-hold' word synonymous with a fantastic source for 'passion and inspiration'.

Best Wishes,
Amber

> Hello New Friend!

> We have much in common, Amber, I am thrilled
> to meet you!

> My first daughter died at birth in February
> of 1990. My life has not been the same ever
> since. She has had a huge impact on my life,
> and my three daughters lives as well.

> Your creative venture is rather amazing!
> WOW! The metaphor is completely enlightening
> as well.

> And as I said when addressing a group last
> week, "My story is NOT over. I have no
> idea what it will bring next. But I do know,
> I will live with purpose and passion no
> matter what happens. I have made that
> choice."

> Thanks for being YOU, Amber, you are a
> blessing to the world.

> With Purpose and Passion,

> JULIE