When Millie Smith and Lewis Cann found out they were expecting a baby, they were overjoyed. As there was a history of twins in Millie’s family, she had a strong feeling that she was going to give birth to two little ones, and her instincts were right. The ultrasound confirmed that she was indeed expecting twins, but the doctors told them that one of the babies had a very small chance of survival.
ragically, one of their daughters was born at 30 weeks with anencephaly, a serious condition that affects the development of the brain and spinal cord. They learned that their precious baby had only moments or hours to live.
Knowing this, Millie and Lewis wanted to give her a name before they said goodbye. They chose the name Skye. Millie explained: “We felt she needed a name before she arrived. Knowing she wouldn’t be with us for long, I wanted her to have a name in those fleeting moments”.
The name “Skye” symbolized a connection to a place they could always remember when they looked up to the sky. “We held Skye close as she died. It was the most heartbreaking moment of our lives, but I’m proud that she fought to spend that time with us.” Skye only lived for three hours, a brief time filled with love while her parents cherished her beauty and presence.
After her death, Millie and Lewis were supported by a “bereavement midwife” and given access to a “Daisy Room”, a special room where parents could spend time with their baby before and after death. However, after Skye was gone, her memory seemed to fade; no one spoke of her, leaving Millie feeling like her daughter had never existed, which made her angry.
“Most of the nurses knew what had happened, but as the weeks went by, people stopped mentioning Skye. Other families around me had no idea about our loss”, Millie recalls.
While her other daughter, Callie, was still in the NICU, another mother who knew nothing about Millie’s situation remarked how lucky she was not to have twins. “None of the other parents knew about Skye, and that innocent comment almost broke me. I left the room in tears but didn’t have the heart to explain”, Millie said. “A simple sticker could have prevented this.”
This experience inspired Millie to design a sticker for incubators to mark the loss of one or more babies in a multiple birth. She chose butterflies to symbolise the ‘flown away’ babies and used the colour purple, which is suitable for any gender.
From this idea grew the Skye High Foundation, which promotes the Purple Butterflies initiative and helps raise awareness in hospitals around the world. The foundation also offers a range of purple butterfly merchandise.
“Although I can’t prevent these situations from occurring, I believe the more support we can provide through initiatives like the stickers, the better it will be for others who suffer this loss. It’s an incredibly tough journey”, said Millie. Today, her surviving daughter Callie is seven years old.
Unexpected Photo Surprises Photographer upon Closer Inspection
The Wedding Day: A Celebration of Love and Unforgettable Moments
For many couples, their wedding day is often hailed as one of the most memorable and cherished days of their lives. It symbolizes the culmination of their love story and marks the beginning of a lifelong journey together. From the heartfelt exchange of vows to the euphoria of the first dance, weddings are brimming with magical moments that are etched into the memories of both the couple and their loved ones.
The significance of this joyous occasion extends beyond the couple themselves, as it serves as an opportunity for families and friends to come together in celebration. Each detail, meticulously planned and executed, contributes to the overall ambiance and narrative of the day, reflecting the unique love story of the couple.
However, amidst the beauty and sentimentality of weddings, some couples opt for unconventional choices in an effort to create a distinctive experience for their guests. While these decisions may elicit varying reactions, ranging from amusement to bewilderment, they undoubtedly add an element of intrigue to the celebration.
Whether these unconventional wedding moments leave a lasting impression or prompt a chuckle, they serve as a testament to the diverse ways in which couples choose to express their love and commitment.
Explore the captivating world of weddings in the video below, featuring a glimpse into some of the most intriguing celebrations you’ve ever witnessed.
Share in the joy and uniqueness of these weddings with your family and friends on Facebook.
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