As you know by now, at Mommi we are passionate about pregnancy and are so inspired by the many stories we have heard as we have asked for you to share your experiences in motherhood. This post comes from Jaime Callister, an RN & Former Director of Orthorpaedic Traumatology for the Univeristy of Utah… and most importantly, mom to 2 sweet boys.
I would like to nominate Ginger Chadwick Ross as the featured Mommi of the Month. Ginger is an amazing mommy to sweet twin angel boys, Rex and Rogue, and to 1 year old, Dax. She started her own business, Guardian Angels Massage and Bodywork, to help ease the pain and suffering of mommies who have lost their babies.
But let me go back to tell the full story about why I admire Ginger so much. I met Ginger 18 years ago on June 3, 1997. Why do I remember the exact date? Simple, it was my High school graduation night. Some friends and I were out late up to no good shenanigans when we got hungry and decided to go to Taco Bell. We saw two girls trying to order at the walk up order and the man at the window wouldn’t allow them to do so. So, I opened the back of my Trooper and had them hop in to place their order. Who’d a thunk that 18 years later that chance encounter would lead to lifetime friendship?
Ginger and I have been through a lot of firsts together, marriages, kids, etc. But what happened to Ginger just over 2 years ago was something I could never have imagined. After struggling to get pregnant, she found out not only was she pregnant, but with twins! I was overjoyed for her and her husband, Jeff, and even more so when we found out they were boys! Ginger had what seemed a routine pregnancy; morning sickness, insomnia, craving, etc. then around 20 weeks she started to have complications.
She was hospitalized and at 22 weeks had to deliver Rex and Rogue. Unfortunately, they were too small, tiny, and perfect, and they did not survive. I have never felt pain like that nor could I even imagine what Ginger and Jeff went through. I know my heart was broken for them and I cried, but I know my sadness was moot compared to theirs.
It is Ginger’s strength and unwavering conviction of love that make her somebody I admire. Her business, Guardian Angels Massage, donates massages to help ease the grief and suffering of mothers who have lost their babies. It is said that sometimes the simple act of touching can help heal a broken heart. She is also involved with the Nora Madelyn Foundation which helps with costs and funeral arrangements as well as having a beautiful ceremony where the baby’s name is read aloud and a monarch butterfly is released.
The photo we decided on for this article was taken by photographer Dax Mcmillian of Newberg, Oregon. He wanted to create a family photo that included the sweet angel twins. I’d say he nailed it. Makes me tear up every time I look at it. It’s so beautiful. A most loving and appropriate tribute to a family who has been through so much.
For more information on Guardian Angels Massage and Bodywork, please visit www.facebook.com/guardianangelsmandb
