After a Lubbock mother lost her newborn baby girl, she turned her tragedy into a blessing for another new mom in need.
Everly Jade Rogers was born nine weeks early on January 3.
Everly weighed only 1 pound, 4 ounces. She was in the NICU suffering from growth restriction, said Everly’s mother, Jenny Rogers.
“She came out very fiesty, she came out kicking,” Rogers said.
While Rogers and her husband hoped and prayed for the best, Everly passed away at only 6 days old.
“Her body just failed her. We were really shocked by her passing, especially after she did so well for a few days,” said Rogers.
Exactly four weeks before Everly came into the world, Merrytt Mae Burnett was born on December 6. Then, at just 1 month old, she came down with RSV.
“At that point, Merrytt was struggling with breastfeeding,” said mom Dianne Burnett. “It was a huge mess because I was wondering how I would feed my daughter, and she wasn’t tolerating formula.”
Burnett said she felt defeated, but then she received a phone call from a total stranger that would change her life forever.
“It was pretty much an answered prayer,” Burnett said.
On the other line? Jenny Rogers, who was mourning on the outside while nature was taking over on the inside.
“When you’re a grieving new mother, your body doesn’t understand that there is no baby that needs milk. Even though your heart is broken and you’re grieving, your body still produces milk,” Rogers said.
Rogers had a stash of milk for a baby girl gone too soon.
“I didn’t want it to go to the trash, and I know it’s liquid gold. I know plenty of moms would be more than happy to take it,” Rogers said.
That’s when her doula told her about Burnett.
“I told her I wanted to give her all the milk I had donated, and at this point, we were trying to plan a funeral,” said Rogers.
Burnett said Rogers’ donation was the “hugest blessing.”
“There is a silver lining,” Rogers said. “I will never get over my daughter. Once I met Merrytt, it healed my heart in a way that I can’t explain to anyone.”
The milk Merrytt drinks is still supplied by Rogers.
“I think it’s helped me in my grieving process and other women who have lost babies and tells them that you will smile again and you will laugh again,” said Rogers.
The memory of sweet Everly lives on from the bracelet her mom wears.
“I wish Everly was here and they were having play dates, and her being able to spread love to so many other moms is so great,” said Rogers.
“It’s somewhat like Merrytt now has two mothers,” said Burnett.
Once total strangers, now two mothers bonded forever. The new moms also recently realized they had been attending the same church and never knew it.
“Thank you, it just means the world to us. I tell you all the time, I can’t find the right words, so thank you.” Burnett said.
