Eric Atstupenas (He/Him)
Bereaved Parent / Support Group for Dads Facilitator
1) Describe briefly how you got involved with Empty Arms.
My partner and I struggled with infertility for several years before we finally received a positive pregnancy result. This day was the happiest day of my life. However, it would be short-lived. During the fetal anatomy ultrasound at 19 weeks into the pregnancy, we learned that our daughter, Hadley Maeve, had several severe brain malformations. We made the decision that no parent should ever have to make and chose to spare her any pain by inducing labor early at 23 weeks gestation. Hadley Maeve was born and passed away on February 19, 2021. In those few moments, our hearts melted with love and pride for having the honor of being her parents. Empty Arms have been integral in our grief journey and process.
2) What makes you most proud of the work we do/What do you like most about Empty Arms?
As a non-birthing parent, it gives me so much pride to hold space in the Bereavement Support Group for Dads to honor, witness, and support our unique grief process and experience.
3) Share a passion in your life and/or work outside of EABS.
Apart from Empty Arms, my time in nature and my work with the elements, and energy medicine have been fundamental in my grief journey. I enjoy working with other practitioners to develop and host workshops for fellow loss parents. Through ritual and community, we work to restore balance in our lives and to visit our healing process.