Way More Than 5 People We Love in June
Usually at this time of month welaunch our new theme and give a special shout-out to five of the previous month’s contributors who shared blog stories we really loved.
June’s Every Family Counts theme delivered so many powerful voices, actions and blogs, we simply can’t narrow it down to just five. We also had so much to say about fathers, men, boys, grandparents, adoptive families, same sex parents and more that we’re leaking beyond the borders of June and into July. Next week we’ll launch our new summer theme, but for now, we want to say thanks to all who shared the message that indeed, Every Family Counts and a special thanks for all who helped Fynn climb his mountain.
Fynn Graham-Nye — As far as we’re concerned, this is the most compassionate and determined 10-year-old we know. He and his mom, Kim Graham-Nye climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and made it to the summit to raise awareness and funds for EMC. Besides saying “thank you,” all we can really say is, “Wow!”
Kim Graham-Nye earned the prize for most inspiring mother we know right now. Hands down — this lady wins.
Jason Graham-Nye, Fynn’s dad, shared his pride and thoughts on Fynn and Kim’s climb and his hopes for parents to pursue their own dreams.
Debbie Haine spoke out and stood up on Capitol Hill for families with stillborn babies.
Michael McCarty provided an insightful, warm reflection on the differences between parenting generations and the hopes and fears every expectant father experiences.
Jerome Faulkner’s touching story of compassionate parenting demonstrated that history is handed down father-to-son in ways you never expect.
Vincent Daly’s Balancing Act of Fatherhood was a quiet, powerful piece on the ways fatherhood brings new beginnings and daily opportunities for renewal.
Adam Pertman’s adoption of his two children propelled his life and career as a journalist in an entirely new direction. Adam shared his insights about adoptive families.
Sunil Desai blogged about the importance of fathers being present in the delivery room and their children’s lives.
Erin Thornton, shared what her Dad taught her: that real success means you love what you do and spend whatever time you take away from your family pursuing your passions and trying to make the world a better place.
Darren Mattock wrote about awakening to the power of birth and fatherhood and discovering his life’s work
Ryan Sanders, whose wife suffered severe hyperemesis gravidarum shared four tips for new dads.
George Goens, Promise of Living, is a heartbreaking and inspiring work devoted to his daughter who died in childbirth.
Our friends at Vinson & Elkins LLP held a mouth-watering, fundraising, chili cook-off for EMC.
Kerry Izzo shared how an internship in Ghana changed the direction of her life.
Timothy Daulter gave some good relationship advice and explained why date-night isn’t enough.
Katherine Snider, Executive Director of Baby Buggy blogged about the need for fathering programs.
Bruce Feiler shared his Secrets of Happy Families and why every child needs non-parental adults in their lives too.
Dr. Stacey Bromberg and Dr. Joe Taravella talked about the unique challenges they’ve recognized for diverse families, especially ones with two mommies or daddies.
Our Global Birth Club Dads shared how they support their wives during pregnancy.
The Grandmothers of the world step in to raise children alongside or instead of parents.
Jimmie Briggs talked to us about his campaign, Man Up, which focuses on youth, boys and men to end violence against women.
Dr. Sadath Sayeed’s shared his story about the comparisons and contrasts in the work he does as a neonatologist both here and abroad.
Christopher Gavigan talked about the importance of parents making the connection between environmentalism and their children’s health.
Don Snyder’s shared his memoir about his mother’s death, his father’s dedication and his own pursuit for a cure for preeclampsia is stunning.
Thank you to everyone who offered their voice on our blog. You’ve shown us what Mother Teresa meant when she said, “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.”