Miscarriage Sketch Shows The Heartache Of Losing A Baby
There are times when words are simply not enough. The term “miscarriage” is defined in words as a pregnancy that “fails to result in the birth of a live baby.” Yet, none of those words even begin to capture the intense heartbreak felt by the parents experiencing a miscarriage. So when doctors said that terrible word to artist Curtis Wiklund and his wife, the grieving husband used his God-given artistic talents to pour his heartache into a miscarriage sketch. And it illustrates the agony of that situation in a way words never could.
Art is a part of Curtis Wiklund’s every day life. Not only is he a talented artist, but he and his wife, Jordin, also run their own wedding photography business in Michigan.
Inspired by Jordin’s personal 365-day photography project, Curtis decided to give his own a try. He set out to create one sketch a day.
Day by day, the project grew into an homage of sorts to the intimate moments — big and small — shared between a husband and wife.
Very unintentionally, after months of producing daily sketches, I noticed that many of my drawings were of us,” he said.
As Curtis began posting the sketches of these precious moments online, more and more people started following them.
Husband’s Popular Marriage Sketches Continue
And as a result of their popularity across the Web, Curtis kept sketching even after the original 365 days of the project wrapped up.
Husband’s Day to Day Sketches Get More Personal
When Curtis started, his sketches were a glimpse of special moments between a husband and wife. But through the years, his art developed into a more personal look into their lives.
And not just their lives as a couple, but as a growing family.
The family (and sketches) expanded to reflect the blessing of two boys — Casen (3) and Hayden (1).
Artist Husband Shares Grief Of Miscarriage To Help Others
But no matter how blessed, every life has its share of difficult times.
When Jordin became pregnant for a third time, the couple was over the moon. They truly believed they were going to have a girl this time around. With two healthy pregnancies under their belts, the couple was completely blindsided when doctors failed to find a heartbeat at Jordin’s 9-week check-up.
The shock wore off by the time Curtis and Jordin reached the car, where they just held each other and wept.
As soon as we got to the car, both of us started crying and were pretty heartbroken,” Curtis said. “It was pure grief. It was no bitterness, no irritation. Not madness at each other. It was mutual, shared, 100 percent grief and crying and sadness.”
As an artist, it was natural and even helpful for Curtis to pour the emotions from that moment into a sketch he titled simply “Miscarriage.”
We were both kind of numb and in shock and for some reason drawing felt like an outlet for me,” he explained. “It felt therapeutic to sit down and reflect on what was happening. That was all I could see. I wanted to somehow get the feeling of grief out onto paper.”
The result was a heartbreakingly beautiful sketch. And while Jordin can still find it difficult to view, it helped her realize something important.
It is so real,” Jordin said of Curtis’ drawing. “And it does, in a very sad, beautiful way, capture the fact that we did have each other in that moment and I am so thankful for that.”
Curtis and Jordin were able to find comfort in the fact that they were not alone. Sadly, a miscarriage is an agonizing experience that many feel they have to keep hidden.
Which is precisely why Curtis made the decision to share the miscarriage sketch online.
I hope by sharing it, those others out there who are quietly hurting, some far worse than we are, are comforted knowing at least, that you are not alone,” he wrote in his post.
Dealing With Grief
And we’re so thankful that he did. As one body in Christ, we are not only called to celebrate life’s joys together, but also to bear one another’s burdens — to encourage and lift one another up during times of suffering.
So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-27
Through every trial, God is there, ready to restore us and bring healing. Here are a few ways to pursue healing after a miscarriage:
- Allow yourself the freedom and time to express all the emotions you’re feeling – such as anger, fear, or sadness. You may want to write them down to sort them out. Then release them to God. Remember that God cares deeply about you and can be trusted to heal you.
- Remember and honor the child you lost. Hold a memorial or funeral service for him or her. Post a memorial to your child online and record your thoughts and feelings about your baby in a journal. Plant a tree in memory of your child, then watch it grow. Each year on the anniversary of your baby’s death, gather with family and friends to share your thoughts and feelings and to pray.
- Share your pain with another person or a few other people who will listen to you and support you as you pursue healing. A trusted friend, a professional counselor, or support group members could provide the help you need.
- Think about the blessings you do enjoy right now in your life, and take the time to thank God for them.
- Have faith in God Himself, rather than just in a particular agenda for your life. Seek to discover God’s will for you rather than trying to convince Him to make your will a reality. Know that if it is God’s will for you to become a parent, He will eventually let that happen for you if you’re seeking His will.
More Help For Healing
Find even more suggestions for healing HERE
In times of trouble, God’s Word is always there to offer encouragement. Here are 5 Bible verses of hope for those experiencing a miscarriage:
“He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3
“I believe I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait on the Lord.” Psalms 27:13-14
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11
Rest assured, you are never alone. God cares about what you are walking through and He is always by your side!
h/t: Today
