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| Co-Facilitator, D.C.
Virginia Chapter My name is Tara Pitts. I like to say I am the mommy of three sweet boys ... two who can run and play, one who can fly. My husband, Steve, and I are blessed to be the parents of Noah - age 7, Ethan - age 2 and my precious angel, Christian Samuel who was born August 11, 1998. Our family lives with our three cats in Northern Virginia. I consider myself a stay-at-home mom, working very part time at a quilt/craft shop. I like to read, do primitive crafts and scrapbook. Most of all, I love being a mom. Nothing is more important to me than my wonderful children. Our angel, Christian, was born a day shy of being 23 weeks gestation. My amniotic sac had developed a tear and broke on August 9, 1998. I was home alone with Noah who was then 2. I waited almost the whole day to contact my midwife group, and when I did, I was instructed to go to the hospital so they could check things out. I never once truly let myself believe I would lose him. Upon arriving, the nurse and midwife both verified that the fluid was amniotic fluid and told my husband and I our choices. None were the answer that would save my baby. I was induced shortly thereafter and was told that there was no chance he would live. After an excruciating 28-hour labor, he was born - alive. I was joyous to see him at first, because birth is such a precious moment. Then I saw him gasp for air and quickly remembered that I would not have him long. Looking back now against my better judgement, no attempt to save him was made. They were surprised how big and strong he was for his age. He was 1 lb. 6 oz. and 11 inches long. He lived for four wonderful hours. Only the love and comfort of his family’s arms was known to him. My parents and Steve were there to hold him. I held him close for most of the time and at last told him it was okay to go, if he had to and that I loved him so very much. The next time they checked his heartbeat, it was gone. He died in my arms. That was a beautiful and devastating moment. I knew he was at peace. I, however, was not. The next year was horribly difficult for me. We decided, after that first year passed, to try to have another baby. After going through the stress of a subsequent pregnancy after a loss, we were blessed with Ethan. There was never any reason found for my water breaking. All kinds of tests and many doctors and midwives since have never found a reason. It’s hard knowing he was perfect but he could not stay. I found MISS on-line early in my grief and it became a haven for me. I had finally found people who understood what I was experiencing. In early 2001, the DC MISS chapter was formed. Now, as our wonderful Facilitator, Jackie Nell, moves out of state, I am taking over as a joint Facilitator with Dionna Williams. I take solace in knowing that through this, I can help others. It is important to me to help those who are walking down this road too. I hope I can be a strength to families who need a friend that truly understands. There is no greater loss than that of a child. Christian’s life was important - I can share him and honor him through the friends I meet through MISS. tara.pitts@missfoundation.org |
