'Because They Lived: A Collection of Little Lives That Changed the World' is Released

On the quiet morning of her stillborn daughter Hannah's fourth Birthday in Heaven, Katy Larsen, owner of Somewhere Over the Rainbow LLC (SOTR), felt inspired as a dream began to form in her mind. It was the dream of a book that could inspire, encourage and support those affected by the devastating grief of Pregnancy and Infant Loss. That dream has come to life.

"Because They Lived," a SOTR publication under Lulu Press, turned into something much bigger, brighter and bolder than Katy could have ever imagined. The e-mails started pouring in with submissions of love and loss, heartache and hope; and a great thing began. It began, because they lived. These babies lived. They were not, are not, death, but life, and their stories are being told.

"This unexpected opportunity for me to capture my precious Olivia's story has been extremely therapeutic, and putting to paper my personal experience, from a husband's point of view, has been something I had not been able to do in the past year since losing my daughter. While my own story is naturally of great importance to me, I hope this collection of personal narratives provides some much needed perspective to others who find themselves standing in our shoes, and reinforces the idea that they are not alone. This book reveals to the world details normally only discussed in conversations with one's closest friends and confidants, and sheds much needed light on a topic most people are not comfortable discussing," stated Christopher Cornell of California.

It was spreading and reaching and growing fast.

"I am just in awe of the beautiful collection that it has become. These stories are from around the globe. These stories are heartbreaking and healing and beautiful. I just never imagined it coming to fruition so quickly and having the reach that it did and will. There are over sixty stories in this book and the option to add one more. Yours," states Katy.

The book, "Because They Lived," is available for purchase now on the SOTR website. In its pages it also offers a formatted journal section towards the back for any family who wishes to share their own story within. Not every submission could be accepted, but each submission, each STORY, is of great importance, great worth. For many woman, just seeing their baby's name written down is incredible in itself. For these women, sharing their lives, is healing, powerful, inspiring, helpful... to so many others around the world.

Katy had so much love and help poured over her through the process of compiling this piece. Angie DeWaard of Iowa and Leanna Reeves of Canada served as useful editors as the submissions piled up.

"With this book, Katy helped give us all voices, helped give our silent babies voices. This is a powerful collection of stories - but they are more than mere stories. Through this book, our babies live on. We get to let the world know how it is better because they lived. And in the baby loss community, there is a sisterhood, a bond. It's so special to get to share in the stories of all of our sisters with this book," said Angie DeWaard.

Truly a humbling project to be involved in as each life is recognized, respected and loved.

"The baby loss community is not one a parent expects to become a part of. This book is a compilation of journeys filled with intense, unpredictable and raw grief. It is also filled with hope, inspiration and an incredible amount of healing. Although it is beyond difficult to live without our babies in our arms, their spirits and legacies infuse their families and this community with indomitable strength and infinite love... Because they lived. Katy, thank you for having the courage and the perseverance for putting this treasure together," states Leanna Reeves.

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. October 15 marks the "International Wave of Light," recognizing these beautiful lives lost. Each step taken forward within the community helps to break the silence, destroy the taboo.

"I invite you to help other families in need with the purchase of these books. Proceeds will be used to donate books to non-profits who help affected families, gift families along their grief journeys and to continue to help spreading awareness on Pregnancy and Infant Loss," says Katy.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow LLC is a charitable business which actively pursues such awareness. Many of the avenues currently being pursued are leading to wonderful directions in which to shed light and support on the topic. This book is just one of them.

"I just want to thank every family from the very bottom of my heart who shared in this dream of mine. It's incredible and I am just blown away with gratitude and admiring of their strength."

You can keep up with news and more by following the SOTR Facebook page and following SOTR on Twitter. The pursuit will continue and the beautiful purpose exists in each beautiful child that graces the pages of this book.