Influencer Paige Carlene Appeals for Compassion While Mourning Her Newborn Son
Social media influencer Paige Carlene has reached out to her followers with a heartfelt request for kindness and patience as she continues to navigate the profound grief following the loss of her newborn son. Two months after her baby's passing, the content creator shared an emotional message explaining why she remains unprepared to part with his personal belongings.
The Tragic Loss of Baby Austin
Paige Carlene and her husband, Garris, experienced both joy and tragedy when they welcomed twin boys, Austin and Bubba, on October 27. The twins arrived prematurely at just twenty-five weeks gestation, facing significant health challenges from birth. Their son Austin passed away on November 27, surviving only thirty-one days after entering the world.
Since that devastating loss, Paige has received numerous messages from well-meaning individuals suggesting she donate Austin's baby items including his bassinet, pillows, and other essentials. Some correspondences implied she no longer needed these possessions, while others proposed that another infant could benefit more from their use.
An Emotional Plea for Understanding
In a deeply personal Instagram post shared on January 28, Paige Carlene explained why these requests cause additional pain and why her family requires time to grieve according to their own emotional timeline. She revealed that the anguish of losing Austin still feels remarkably fresh, not like an event that occurred months ago but rather as a constant, heavy presence in their daily lives.
"I still wake up every day missing him. I still go to sleep every night aching for him," Paige wrote in her emotional message. "Grief does not move on a schedule, and love does not fade with time."
The Significance of Austin's Belongings
Paige emphasized that the items people have requested are not merely objects to her family. The bassinet represented where Austin was meant to sleep, while the pillow symbolized where the twins should have lain together, sharing everyday moments that never materialized.
"That bassinet is where my baby was supposed to sleep," she expressed. "Where he was supposed to stretch his arms, make little noises in his sleep, wake up crying, be soothed, be held."
The influencer explained that parting with these possessions at this time would feel like losing another fragment of her son. She acknowledged uncertainty about whether she will ever reach a point where she can let them go completely.
"I don't know when I will be and I don't know if I ever truly will be," she shared regarding her readiness to donate Austin's belongings.
A Continuing Presence in Their Home
Paige made clear that Austin remains an integral part of their family unit. His possessions stay in their home because they carry profound meaning, cherished memories, and enduring love.
"Austin may no longer be here physically, but he is still our son," Paige affirmed. "His presence is still felt here."
While acknowledging that most people intend kindness with their suggestions, Paige explained how such requests can inflict deep emotional wounds on grieving parents.
"But asking a grieving parent to give away something that belonged to their child, especially so soon, cuts deeper than you may realize," she wrote.
A Gentle Request for Space to Heal
Paige Carlene concluded her message with a gentle appeal for understanding and compassion from her community of followers and supporters.
"Please give us grace. Please give us time," Paige requested. "Our grief is still fresh."
Her poignant message highlights the complex, individual nature of parental grief following infant loss, reminding the public that healing occurs on personal timelines rather than external expectations.
