When Millie Smith and Lewis Cann found out they were expecting a baby, they were overjoyed. As there was a history of twins in Millie’s family, she had a strong feeling that she was going to give birth to two little ones, and her instincts were right. The ultrasound confirmed that she was indeed expecting twins, but the doctors told them that one of the babies had a very small chance of survival.
ragically, one of their daughters was born at 30 weeks with anencephaly, a serious condition that affects the development of the brain and spinal cord. They learned that their precious baby had only moments or hours to live.
Knowing this, Millie and Lewis wanted to give her a name before they said goodbye. They chose the name Skye. Millie explained: “We felt she needed a name before she arrived. Knowing she wouldn’t be with us for long, I wanted her to have a name in those fleeting moments”.
The name “Skye” symbolized a connection to a place they could always remember when they looked up to the sky. “We held Skye close as she died. It was the most heartbreaking moment of our lives, but I’m proud that she fought to spend that time with us.” Skye only lived for three hours, a brief time filled with love while her parents cherished her beauty and presence.
After her death, Millie and Lewis were supported by a “bereavement midwife” and given access to a “Daisy Room”, a special room where parents could spend time with their baby before and after death. However, after Skye was gone, her memory seemed to fade; no one spoke of her, leaving Millie feeling like her daughter had never existed, which made her angry.
“Most of the nurses knew what had happened, but as the weeks went by, people stopped mentioning Skye. Other families around me had no idea about our loss”, Millie recalls.
While her other daughter, Callie, was still in the NICU, another mother who knew nothing about Millie’s situation remarked how lucky she was not to have twins. “None of the other parents knew about Skye, and that innocent comment almost broke me. I left the room in tears but didn’t have the heart to explain”, Millie said. “A simple sticker could have prevented this.”
This experience inspired Millie to design a sticker for incubators to mark the loss of one or more babies in a multiple birth. She chose butterflies to symbolise the ‘flown away’ babies and used the colour purple, which is suitable for any gender.
From this idea grew the Skye High Foundation, which promotes the Purple Butterflies initiative and helps raise awareness in hospitals around the world. The foundation also offers a range of purple butterfly merchandise.
“Although I can’t prevent these situations from occurring, I believe the more support we can provide through initiatives like the stickers, the better it will be for others who suffer this loss. It’s an incredibly tough journey”, said Millie. Today, her surviving daughter Callie is seven years old.
Justin Bieber Shares Crying Photos and Fans Are Worried
From his meteoric rise to fame as a teenager to his more recent successes in music and personal growth, Justin Bieber’s journey has been closely followed by millions. However, it’s not just his chart-topping hits and sold-out concerts that keep fans invested in his story; it’s also his willingness to share his struggles and vulnerabilities, particularly through social media platforms.
In 2023, Bieber made headlines when he decided to end his Justice World Tour prematurely to prioritize his health. The reason behind this decision was his diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a condition that comes from the same virus as chickenpox.
Despite the disappointment of canceling tour dates, Bieber chose to be transparent with his fans about his health journey. Taking to Instagram, he shared a candid video, showcasing the temporary paralysis he experienced—a symptom of the condition. This openness not only provided insight into his challenges but also fostered a deeper connection with his audience.
Recently, Bieber once again turned to social media to share a glimpse into his emotional state. In a series of photos, the 30-year-old singer showcased various moments from his life, including moments on stage, and casual snapshots. However, it was the final two images that sparked a strong response from fans. In these selfies, Bieber can be seen with tears streaming down his face, his vulnerability laid bare for the world to see.
The outpouring of support from fans was immediate and heartfelt. Comments flooded in, expressing concern, empathy, and encouragement. Some reassured Bieber of their unwavering support, while others offered words of solace and prayers. Even Bieber’s partner, Hailey Bieber, joined in, affectionately remarking on his appearance as a “pretty crier.”
What makes Justin Bieber‘s openness on social media so impactful is its authenticity. In an era where carefully curated images often dominate feeds, Bieber’s willingness to share both the highs and lows of his life serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. By showcasing his vulnerabilities, he not only invites empathy and understanding but also encourages others to embrace their own imperfections.
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