Zuzu's Petals

When I was in the hospital recovering from my C-section, I had two well-meaning hospital staffers ask me about my baby. One maintenance woman asked me if my baby was going to go home with me when I was released - assuming, I guess, that I had a preemie in the intensive care unit, hence my empty room. Sadly, I had to tell her my baby died, which upset her so much I felt terrible. So when my nurse started to give me advice on taking care of a newborn, I didn't have the heart to remind her that my baby hadn't made it. So I played along ... and it kinda hurt.

Clearly, there was no blatant signal for staffers that let them know I was mourning my baby. Although on the last day I was there, Mr. Dub did find a sign that said, "Bereavement," taped to my door. Needless to say, that's got to change. I wasn't too bothered by those comments because I had two full weeks to prepare for such incidents. But what about the mom who has a stillborn unexpectedly? Such comments could be devastating for her.

I know some hospitals use a tear drop to signal the situation, but even that is a little insulting, in my opinion. Why not something cheerful? So I've decided to make my own door markers.

Enter Zuzu's Petals. Named after Baby Zee's nickname, these paper "love blossoms" will hang on the doors of mourning mothers to encourage sensitivity among hospital staff. In addition, they are a happy memento to add to a baby's memory box, which is all these mothers take home from the hospital.

Only catch - I need some help making the flowers. I've already received a generous donation of paper from Waste Not Paper - Paper Source's wholesale division - but I still need a pattern for the actual flowers. I've determined the best way to make them will be to use a die cut machine. I'm currently favoring the Cricut machine and its Walk in my Garden cartridge. That way the flowers can be textured but won't be too heavy to hang on a door with tape.

Anyone have connections with Provo Craft, maker of the Cricut machine? Or any other scrapbooking or paper company that might like to contribute to my cause? Please let me know as I'm looking for donations wherever I can get them. (And I will publicly laud them if they do contribute, I might add.)

When I get up a running - I'm dreaming of a Web site and official charity tax status - I will share my plans and patterns with ch'alls so you can help me flower the hospital doors of mourning mothers across the country. Shoot, the whole world!

I know there are a lot of great causes out there, but this one means something to me.

Help!