Jude’s Joy
Jude’s Joy is the newest service offered by the Oaklyn Foundation. Jude’s mom, Erin, has served on the board of directors for several years, and her servant heart has lead her to help even more families. Jude’s Joy is a network of loss-moms so that no mom goes unheard or unseen. We send cards to remind moms they are not alone, that their grief is seen, and their child is remembered. We know how emotional your child’s birthday may be; how Mother’s Day feels incomplete; or, how a series of bad days can turn into weeks. When no one else knows, we do.
Grief can strike out of nowhere, but joy can too and much stronger. If you are walking this journey alone, or if you know someone who is, please contact the Oaklyn Foundation so that we may connect you. We should never have to walk this journey alone.
Jude’s Story
Jude Jennie Berg was born stillborn on April 17, 2016. The day before I could tell something was not right. That evening we went to the emergency room hoping for the best but expecting the worst. After seeing two ultrasound techs the doctor came in to tell us the nightmare was real.
Our baby was no longer with us.
Jude was born without any imperfections, only she was silent, and her eyes were closed. As you can imagine, I shed more tears than my body would allow, but I was blessed to have the support of my family and friends.
In the days and weeks after Jude’s passing the rest of the world carried on as usual, but I did not. Eventually, my pain would fade only to return on a whim, sometimes without warning, often without reason and always when I was alone.
I kept drowning in grief, desolate and feeling invisible. I thought something was wrong with me, until I met other loss-moms who could understand. They knew how sadness can strike out of nowhere; how wrapping one less Christmas present can ruin the holiday; one less car seat saddens the trip; or how one bad day is just even harder. My feelings finally felt validated. Which is why Jude’s Joy was created - to remind Loss Moms that they are not alone.
I always knew God’s plans for Jude were bigger than we could imagine. I never thought it would be through me, too. She truly was able to ‘take a sad song and make it better.’
XOXO,
Jude’s Mom, Erin