Our story is much like every other baby loss family. We planned, dreamed and hoped for a new baby to add to our growing brood. Anticipating another carefree pregnancy, our fifth, after four healthy births and four beautiful babies, we had no need to expect anything less. But our bubble was broken and our dreams shattered when our  tiny, third born, curly~haired son  Bretton-Elijah Lucas arrived far too early on the morning of March 25th, 1996. His gentle birth changed our world forever and we knew then that we would never, ever be the same again. A new journey began for each of us in that moment.

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Two years later, just as we thought we were healed enough to try again, our hearts soared with the news that we were once again expecting a new baby. This time, our miracle would be born healthy and full term, we were told, because stillbirth is so rare and would never happen to a family twice. But without warning, on August 21st, 1998, a warm Summer evening, our miracle baby became another tragedy as Ciara-Rose Kennedi slipped into our hands and broke our hearts again.  A perfect but very small baby, with precious curls and the tiniest of lips, gracing our short moments together with a sweet smile.​

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Since the births and deaths of Bretton and Ciara, our lives have been a roller coaster of emotions, angst, pain, growth and healing. We are stronger than ever but the years in between have included six more losses, all early pregnancies and just as heartbreaking as our two stillbirths. Being the parents of two stillborn babies, four healthy young adults and six tiny miscarried babies defines us a baby loss family but doesn’t diminish our love for any of our children. We parent in the present and from afar. And every moment is cherished, never regretted or taken for granted. We embrace our babies as part of our unique life journey and are grateful now for the opportunity to share our path with others, with the hope of bringing healing to broken dreams and shattered hearts. Whatever brings you to the H.E.A.R.T.S. Baby Loss Community, whether you are a newly bereaved baby loss family, or your precious baby died decades ago, whether you live close by or across the Ocean, you are searching for any reason for your loss, or you are searching for ways to help others, please know that you are not alone and we are here to help. Send us a note, give us a call or leave us a message on this website so we can reach out to you as you reach out for support and understanding, along your own hope for a healing journey.

 

With love and heart,

 

Founders and parents, Chy Salter-Roberts and Bill Roberts, along with Chelsea, Brady, Brodie and Chynna.

In loving memory of Bretton, Ciara and our six tiny babies, Birkley, Cabriola, Cambria, Beau, Cree and Bentley

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