Does It Get Better?
By Sara Barry I have a friend whose son died recently. He wasn’t a baby, but he was her baby, the one who first made her a mother. She’s been …
Early Infant Loss
What To Tell Kids
By Sara Barry Recently a friend asked if I had any advice about her son’s recent questions about his sister, the one who died before he was born. She worried …
Why I Love the Gift of a Heart of Stone
by Sara Barry “Here,” my 11-year-old neighbor thrust a bag at me. I looked at the birthday cake on the side, confused. It was over a month since my birthday. …
Our Stories: My sister, Emily Burke Nichols
Empty Arms is highlighting our beautiful community members and their siblings. We’re so grateful that they’re sharing their stories with us! Tell us about you.I’m Sarah, and I’ve had the …
How Grief Shifts Like the Lengthening Days
Healing a HeartBy Sara Barry Tonight, the sky was a bruise of color to the west, but still, the light lingered, even as dinner got done later than planned. It …
When Joy Finds You on the Darkest of Days
Healing a HeartBy Sara Barry Some Decembers you don’t put up a tree. You let others do the shopping and the wrapping. You wait to get through the month. Some …
What We Let Go Of
Healing a HeartBy Sara Barry I let go of my idea of how my baby would be born. I let go of the notion of holding him to my breast, …
At a Loss for Words
Healing a HeartBy Sara Barry In the first months after Henry died, my husband and I found it hard to communicate. We both struggled with our words. We couldn’t come …
Introducing our Bilingual Peer Companion: Yahayra Luciano
waiting at the operating room door When they wheeled Yahayra out …
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Joy Comes Back
Healing a HeartBy Sara Barry The first few notes of the song swelled. I felt the music, smiled, then felt my chest tighten with memory. I wanna be ready. Earlier …