The Caring Cradle is an expensive item, but valuable in so many more ways than monetarily. It allowed Lauren Herman and her husband David three days with their son Lincoln, instead of just mere hours. As Taylor Felker had the same experience with Hadley, she wanted to give this gift of time to another family. Now, Lauren and David Herman want to do the same in Lincoln’s memory.
Lincoln Matthew Herman
Family and friends of the Hermans have set up a GoFundMe page in Lincoln’s memory, partially to raise funds for extended time off work for his parents as they grieve, and partially to raise funds so that they can purchase yet another Caring Cradle and give the gift of time with their stillborn to a grieving family. The fundraiser has amassed over $14,000 in just 25 days! The GoFundMe page says,
“It is also important to the family to be able to donate a Caring Cradle to the hospital. This device allowed David and Lauren to have baby Lincoln in the room with them. Without it, mom and dad wouldn’t have had as much time with Lincoln as they did. They would love to be able to provide another machine for any future families that might have to endure the same experience. Any contribution is greatly appreciated and makes a tremendous difference.”
As I said when I started this article, this type of loss is so very hard for me to look at head-on…but I’m glad I did. Because in this story I don’t only see grief and loss. I see three little lives that matter very much, who are touching others even from heaven. I see three moms who are giving and giving to others even through their pain, and refusing to allow their children’s lives to be only spoken of in pained whispers. I see strength and resilience that is hard to fathom, and in these Caring Cradle gifts, I see human kindness at it’s finest.
God bless the sweet mamas of Oliver, Hadley, and Lincoln…and all babies gone too soon. Your children are wonders, all, and I’m so glad to be able to tell the world about them.
