I’ve just learned of a young family who lost their 2 week old baby.  The mom went back to work after 1 week because they needed the money to find out she was laid off that same day.  The father is also unemployed.  Does anyone know of a funeral home and cemetery that is willing to donate services or significantly reduce their prices?  Or do you know of any programs that help financially for parents in this situation?  The baby is in Chicago right now and am not sure how she will get home to be buried.  Any resources would be helpful.

As a follow up…We have been working on getting more details on how we can best help this family at this painful time.  An associate of Jim’s has been contacted in regard to them because of her role in a local group that offers support to families that have lost infants.  This is one of those situations where any gift (no matter how small it may seem) would be enormously helpful.  We can gather money, gift cards to a grocery store or restaurant, and cards of sympathy with a note just letting them know that others are praying for them.  If you know Jim and I well enough to feel comfortable writing us a check, we can right a single check to be given through Jim’s co-worker.  If you would like to give a gift, you can contact Jim or Jenny (scroll down under contact tab) and we will make arrangements for collecting them. 

We have the opportunity to reach out as followers of Christ in a way that this family may never have experienced.  Please prayerfully consider this matter along with us.  We will update this thread as we get more details. 

Jenny

It just so happens that one of our own KTM families is acquainted with this family.  Please pray for the peace and comfort of the whole family. 

Jenny

I found out yesterday that this sweet baby girl was the daughter of a friend of mine from grade school and junior high.  My heart hurts for him and his family.  I will be taking a gift and some meals collected from KTM members by their home tomorrow afternoon.  Please contact me if you would like to add anything to what we have gathered.  Thanks so much to all who have already given!  I know it will touch his heart that people are willing to help in this really difficult time. 

Jenny

Any updates on how this family is doing?

I visited with them briefly at the visitation.  They seemed to be doing as well as can be expected.  They very much appreciated the donation toward funeral expenses and the meals.  Obviously, they are still very much in need of prayer. 

Jenny