We were expecting to welcome another baby into our family with the New Year. Thanksgiving day brought other plans. Unpredictable complications took our baby’s life and almost took mine. Little is known about HELLP syndrome, but we know it is deadly and we feel inclined to spread awareness. The emergency didn’t kill mama, but it came close, and certainly put our lives in a different direction than we had ever dreamed of. Instead of welcoming a baby sister and a second child, we are welcoming in a period of grief, recovery, and a deep family bonding as we process our loss. As my physical health has taken a serious toll, my husband is stepping up and will be taking several months off of work to take care of myself and our daughter. Life, however, continues at the same fast pace. We still have heavy medical bills to pay, as well as regular living expenses. We know that it takes a village to raise a baby, and we also want to express the need for that same village to come together to grieve a baby. We need all the help we can get, from warm wishes to warm meals, financial support or references to resources. We are staying several hours away from home until I am strong enough to travel. Amazingly, we have been so thoroughly loved by phenomenal friends and birth keepers, a circle of mamas and papas who have tended to our family’s needs as if we were their very own children, sharing a home, caring for us and feeding us like family. We hope you have the time and headspace to take a moment and come together with us to acknowledge and support us in the death of our second daughter, Maria Dolores, my own profound physical healing, and the deep heart healing of Saul and our sweet Isabella. We are so grateful for your love and support. Community has never been more important and essential for us. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out and to all those still willing to help.