‘It’s heartbreaking:’ N.S. mother says not enough support for grieving parents

By Alex Cooke

HALIFAX – Grace Neala Tamsin Densmore was three years old when she died from a rare condition in December.

Her twin died as well at 17 weeks gestation.

Grace’s mother Paula Harmon told News 95.7 there’s not enough resources available for grieving parents in the province.

“It’s heartbreaking that there’s no support,” she said. “…When you’re told, ‘you can have another child,’ ‘be thankful for the children you have.'”

She set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the Gardens of Grace, a garden in memory of children gone before their time.

She’s been in contact with the IWK Children’s Hospital, bereavement advocacy groups and other parents to get their input on the project.

So far, she’s recieved a lot of support, with some saying protocols need to be put in place so hospitals know how to better deal with parents experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth or loss of a child.

“Some of the stories that people have told me… being sent home with a piece of paper and a memory box. And that’s it.”

Harmon would also like to see Bill 179 re-introduced, which would recognize October 15th as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.

She wants to see tropics like stillbirth, miscarriage and death become less taboo.

“My goal is to be able to have supports throughout the province.”

She already has a vision for the Gardens of Grace.

“Something that is happy, not sad. Something that celebrates children who are lost, that parents can go and enjoy, and not be sad, but be able to contemplate.”

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today