By Jamie McMutrie
The children and families in our programs never hesitate in letting us know how grateful they are for what we do for them. I remember saying goodbye one day after delivering the weekly supply of formula to a grandmother who is raising her granddaughter, after the baby’s mother had passed away. Under her breath I heard her murmuring, but couldn’t make out what she was saying. I asked her, “What?” and her voice caught as she said in kreyol “I don’t know, I just don’t know, how do I say thank you, how do I thank you enough?”
This is why we do what we do at Haitian Families First. A grandmother who is able to honor the life of her daughter, who died too soon because of complications in child birth, by being a loving parent to her sweet grandbaby. A little girl who will grow up knowing that those who loved her did everything they could do to provide her with the best life possible.
We asked our families to share some of the things they’re thankful for this week.
Schneidine – 7 years old
“I am thankful for my life with my mom and my sister Daphka and my baby brother Jeremie.”
Sara – 7 years old
“I am thankful for the help that people give to make it possible for me to go to school!”
Kervens – 3 years old
“I am thankful for Ali and her white hair.”
Auguste (dad of children in our program)
“I am thankful for you [Jamie] because you take care of my family.”
Rose-Andre – 16 years old
“I am thankful that Jamie and Ali helped me keep my baby when I didn’t think it would be possible.”
Next week, we’d like to share with you more about Rose Andre’s story, but this week I’d like to end by saying, “Thank you!” Every day, Ali & I are so thankful for you and your support of Haitian Families First. And this Thanksgiving, please know we’ll think of you and say an extra special thank you for what you do for us. You allow us to be a small part of providing hope and love to our families. And that is worth more to us than these thankful voices can express. Peace and love to you this Thanksgiving.
By HFF Co-President Ali McMutrie
365 days ago you had just entered the world. We don’t know what that was like for you, but at less than 2 pounds, we know that you had a will to live that none of us will ever be able to explain or understand.
We don’t know much about what was going on in your birth mothers life when you were born. We do know there was no one there to support her, and she was likely very scared. She had not received basic prenatal care in the months leading up to your birth, she was not healthy, and due to basic complications during your birth in the hospital, she did not survive.
No one was there with your mommy when you entered the world and she left it. And when your mother passed away, you were alone.
365 days ago another mommy, your friend Seth’s mom, found herself in a similar scary situation. Seth’s mom was just 23 years old, and Seth’s daddy was not around to support her either. Seth’s mom was just as scared and alone as your birth mom – except she had the love and support of HFF.
HFF employee, and friend to Seth’s mom, Junia spent two days at the hospital helping her through her labor, and reassuring her that, with HFFs help, she was capable of parenting her new baby. Seth came into the world the morning of October 10th, too.
Seth was born in the same hospital room you were born in.
The Doctor laid you on the table, Jeremie, screaming and crying, clinging to life. You were so tiny and frail, but had a strong, loud voice of a little guy who had no intention of giving up.
Junia was approached by the doctor who asked what HFF would be willing to do for you. In Haiti there is no option for a baby like you, the best option would have been to find an orphanage where you would have spent the rest of your life without a mom or a dad. We sent an HFF employee to the surrounding provence to search for your birth father, or any relative of yours, but came up with nothing.
During this time, Junia, who just a year earlier found herself in her own difficult situation, coming close to making the decision of giving up one of her children, held and warmed you, she fed you milk with a dropper. She cuddled and squeezed you tight.
That day Junia became your mommy. Junia, who with the help of HFF found herself with a steady, stable income and a safe, secure home, made the decision to adopt you as her own son.
Over the next year you grew to be a big strong boy, bigger than any of us could have imagined when we first saw you struggling to breath, so small. You bring joy to your mom’s life, as well as your big sister’s, Daphka and Schneidine. You are the son that Junia always wanted and dreamed she would have. You came to her in a special and unique way, you are a special and unique boy. You are strong. You are loved. Happy First Birthday, Jeremie! Leave your birthday wishes for Jeremie in the comments below!
