The grief of losing a child is unimaginable, but for Jadacy Shepard Engram, the loss of her stillborn baby has become a driving force for helping other mothers heal. Jadacy’s journey from heartache to hope is a powerful testament to resilience, healing, and the strength of community. Through her unique approach, including culinary therapy, she has created a safe space for women who have experienced similar losses to process their grief and find solace.
Turning Pain Into Purpose Through Culinary Therapy
When Jadacy Shepard Engram lost her first child, Eddie, at 35 weeks, she found herself trapped in a world of sorrow and uncertainty. The Lakeland, Florida native had expected a smooth transition into motherhood, only to face a heartbreaking tragedy. “My pregnancy was perfect, or so I thought. My husband and I were preparing everything for our son,” Jadacy recalls. But when the excitement turned to tragedy, she was forced to confront the profound grief of stillbirth.
Stillbirth affects approximately 1 in 175 births, according to the CDC, with about 21,000 babies being stillborn each year in the United States. Jadacy’s grief mirrored that of many other women who suffer the pain of losing a child. However, she chose not to let this loss define her. Instead, it became a catalyst for change. Jadacy discovered “Culinary Therapy” as a healing tool, using cooking as a way to process her grief. “I realized that my grieving process was unique because I was using the cooking process to help with my layers of healing,” she explains.
This newfound passion gave birth to her business, A Taste of Healing, where she shares her healing journey through the lens of food, style, and support for others. The platform offers an alternative way for grieving mothers to heal and connect.
Building Community and Support Through “Beauty Beyond Grief”
In addition to her culinary work, Jadacy founded the “Beauty Beyond Grief” event in Lakewood, FL, an annual gathering that supports mothers who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss (PAIL). The event creates a safe environment for women to share their stories, build connections, and find strength in each other. “Our experience is more than what happened to us; it’s a vessel to bless us and so many other moms to come!” Jadacy says.
By partnering with news affiliates, she amplifies her message and raises awareness about the impact of PAIL. These efforts not only foster unity but also provide valuable resources for women who may be struggling in silence. As a result, Jadacy is becoming a beacon of hope for many women, empowering them to heal through shared experiences.
Navigating Grief and Hope: A Second Chance at Motherhood
Two years after Eddie’s loss, Jadacy’s life took another unexpected turn. She and her husband discovered they were expecting again, just days before Christmas. Though this news should have been joyous, Jadacy struggled with the fear that history might repeat itself. “I was consumed by fear, constantly thinking about the possibility of another loss,” she shares. The trauma from her first pregnancy made it difficult to embrace her new pregnancy fully.
However, therapy helped Jadacy manage her anxiety and provided her with tools to cope with her fears. “Therapy gave me a safe space to express my fears and work through them, helping me to feel more secure and hopeful,” she explains. Despite the emotional challenges, Jadacy eventually gave birth to Maxwell, a micro preemie who spent four months in the hospital before being able to go home.
A Message of Hope for Mothers Everywhere
Today, Jadacy’s son Maxwell is thriving, and she continues to be an advocate for mothers who have experienced stillbirth. Her story of resilience has been an inspiration to many, and she urges women to take their healing one day at a time. “Grieving looks different to everyone. There are really no words you can say; you’re learning to cope every day,” she says.
For those who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss, Jadacy offers a message of hope: “Live one day at a time. Remember and honor your baby every day. Just say I love you, and I’ll never forget you. Trust God, and He will get you through. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
