Testimonials from the Return to Zero Women’s Healing Retreat in Stowe, Vermont from July 31 - August 3, 2014:
I am moved beyond words by the enormity of what I experienced at the Return to Zero Retreat. I found an acceptance and instant sisterhood in the space we created there and so much healing. I would and will go again. Namaste.
- Sabrina
Palmer, AK
Going to the RTZ retreat in Stowe, Vermont was the most amazing gift that I could have given myself after experiencing such a life-changing loss. It was a weekend away from my busy everyday life focusing on my self care, alone time with my angel baby, and developing a bond with a group of the most courageous women I have ever met. I arrived scared, lonely, and lost, and left loved, strong, and with life long sisters that have turned into an amazing support group. A little piece of my heart will always reside in Vermont.
- Regina Rezex
Downey, CA
The RTZ retreat was more than I ever hoped for. It allowed me to connect with women all over the United States, and continue to maintain life long friendships. It gave me strength and courage to continue my healing process. An amazing experience, indeed.
- Laura
Clinton Township, MI
The RTZ retreat far exceeded my expectations and has helped me in my healing journey perhaps more than all the other modalities I’ve used combined. It was an amazing opportunity to be present with other women who understand. We were encouraged to talk about our experience, remember our babies, discuss our ups and downs, and given an opportunity to try concrete techniques to help us heal and an instant community with which to share going forward. The opportunity to be connected with nature, hike, swim, ride horses, take part in yoga, meditation, and especially for me to explore and reconnect with my playful-self during yoga on horseback was life-changing. I remembered parts of myself that I thought were gone forever. I feel passion again and a sense of beginning to thrive and not just survive and this is priceless!
- Jyll
Wayne, PA
The RTZ retreat is a necessary resource for mothers who feel out of place in their larger communities. It is a reassurance that the emotions we are feeling are vital. It is a safe place to express these feelings and for once feel like we do belong somewhere. I am full of gratitude to have participated in this experience and to make connections that validate our children and the women we have become via them. Thank you.
- Gabriella
Brooklyn, NY
It is hard to put into words how healing and special the Return to Zero Retreat was. It is a place for women who are at any stage of grief for pregnancy or infant loss. I went and am 16 years removed from my loss and was nervous that I would be too far away from it, and to my relief it was perfect. What I learned from the amazing young women there, I will never forget. I was able to help some see the hope in the future and that it won’t always be as sad as it is today. There is life beyond infant loss, it’s not the same life it was before the loss but it can even be a better life. I now have 25 special new friends that I will carry in my heart forever.
- Jenifer
Katy, TX
Stowe, Vermont. Only one requirement necessary to attend the retreat: baby loss. I met some of the most extraordinary, beautiful, and open women on earth. No awkward pauses, no stares, emotions welcomed, embraced and an instant camaraderie formed. Bittersweetly, I meet my peer. The one I searched for was finally found. It was like a summer camp with filled with stories, letters, mementos, site seeing and love. Instant and lifelong friendships formed and I finally found some peace. Vermont has a piece of me as do each of my soul sisters.
- Jennifer “Jake” I.
San Francisco, Ca
An amazing experience surrounded by love, hope, faith, strength, gratitude, and peace. It’s a place to reflect and connect, not feel alone, and realize you can find happiness again. Inspirational and moving. Highly recommended!
- Jessica
Manchester, NH
What a beautiful thing to be surrounded by women who understand the grief you feel for your baby’s death, and at the same time the joy you feel for your baby’s life. To share our stories, celebrate our children, and build friendships with other loss mothers was an amazing experience. I left feeling connected to myself, my babies, and to this new community of mothers. I was re-energized to live my life at home as I want to live it, and know that I now have the support system to help me achieve that. I couldn’t be more appreciative to have been a part of this special weekend.
- Lindsey
Scituate, RI
The Return to Zero retreat was incredibly helpful to me in my grieving and healing processes. I made connections with women who understood me, I had opportunities to focus on and connect with my baby, and most importantly I received gentle encouragement, guidance and support from the amazing facilitators. Having gone through my loss just two and a half months before the retreat, I was in a place of emotional numbness. Being at the retreat gave me the overwhelming sense that I was not alone and allowed me to open up about my feelings in an emotionally safe and nurturing place.
- Tracy,
Boston, MA
We started the retreat as strangers but left as sisters. The retreat provided a sacred space for healing – more than I imagined possible. If you have the opportunity, please join Kiley for a Return To Zero retreat. You will not regret it.
- Jen
Dayton, OH
