The Beauty Battalion - Featuring Beauty In All Shapes & Sizes August 2017 | Page 12

Stefanie Gillespie

My Child Did Exist

I've lost a child, I hear myself say,

And the person I'm talking to just turns away.

Now why did I tell them, I don't understand.

It wasn't for sympathy or to get a helping hand.

I just want them to know I've lost something dear.

I want them to know that my child was here.

My child left something behind which no one can see.

My child made just one person into a family.

So, if I've upset you, I'm sorry as can be.

You'll have to forgive me, I could not resist.

I just want you to know that my child did exist.

#iCanDoHardThings

We chose Stefanie Gillespie as our True Beauty Award Winner for August 2017 not because she endured the worst pain anyone could imagine by having to bury her child, but because of her "awakening" and willingness to share the lessons she's learned since.

In this heart-touching interview, by our dear friend and award-winning journalist, Jennifer Weaver, we share in the pain and loss of sweet Brody. We learn what it means to have faith in our future. We see the strength and determination to live with a purpose and strive to be the best versions of ourselves. To master those things that once brought us fear. We all have strengths yet to be found...and with Stefanie's message: #iCanDoHardThings we can honor her and her son, Brody, by taking it to heart and pushing through whatever hard things we encounter in our own lives. We hope you find inspiration and are moved to make a change, no matter how small, in the name of #BrodyMoves.

True Beauty Award Winner

August 2017

Photo Credit: Laurel Hansen

12 The Beauty Battalion Magazine

Photo Credit: Karen Erekson