Meet Annie Jamison: Founder (The Real Journey of Grieving Mothers, Inc.)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annie Jamison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process when I began my non profit was “how can I be a help to other moms who have suffered child loss”. I wanted every mother who walked this journey to know they were not alone and someone else understands. It all started one evening while sitting on my bed with tears rolling down my face. I was so consumed with grief. My heart literally felt like it was coming through my chest. Even after two years I still couldn’t believe that my only son was no longer here on earth with me. The son I birthed, raised and thought I would get to see grow old, well at least older than 21. As I sat there all I could think about was how I hoped no other mother was feeling this pain. However, I knew somewhere out there another mother was feeling the same way. I also knew in my heart that mother may have nowhere to turn. After all, once some months and years have passed those on the outside looking in tend to think we should be over the pain by now and back to a normal that is no longer a reality. Its because of beliefs such as these that many mothers are forced to suffer in silence. God laid it on my heart as I sat there that evening to take my pain and turn it into purpose. My son’s death will always be a part of me as well as his life but I’ve chosen to keep his memory alive by reaching out and helping other mothers who feel like there is no where to turn and no one who understands. My Nonprofit is still in its infancy stage but its all coming together as God gave it to me. Not yet a 501c3 but I’m believing God that one day it will be. So far I’m the only 0ne on my team but I’m still doing what God laid on my heart to do. Its a process and I’m willing to see it through.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work as it pertains to assisting other moms who have suffered child loss is something that I’m very passionate about. I believe that after my son passed I was called to this. Is it easy? Of course not. Some days are more difficult than others. It can be very discouraging sometimes because not everyone accepts what I’m building. See, because many believe that we should just get over the death of our child/children and move on. I believe that unless one has experienced such a loss they have no idea what this journey is about. My work includes encouraging and inspiring mothers to embrace where they are at that moment and pushing through no matter how dark the moment. My work includes lending a listening ear to a mother in her time of need, praying for and with her but also allowing her to be human. I also run The Real Journey Of Grieving Mothers Facebook and Instagram pages as well its website. Back in July of this year I began sending out weekly text to mothers who signed up and those text include an encouraging word to get them through the week also a reminder that if they need to talk I’m here for them. There is a lot more to what I do but there’s even more that I desire to do. The vision is great and I will continue to work at it, one step at a time until it becomes an eye seeing reality. I’ve learned so much since I answered this call. The main thing I learned is that it takes much patience and determination. I want the world to know that behind my Nonprofit is the heart of a mother and her beautiful son, Trey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m pretty much a homebody. However, if my bestfriend was still alive and came to visit, I think I would take her to Pappadeaux Seafood. I’m a seafood lover, although I only eat fish and scallops. My favorite fish is salmon. I don’t eat out a lot because I believe the best food is the food I prepare in my own kitchen. One of my favorite things to do besides writing is cooking. I could literally cook all day. It would probably be mostly vegetables and pasta because the only meat I eat is fish and hot wings. Veggie burgers are great. Hey, its all about being healthy for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shout out to all the people who counted me out. Though that may sound a little strange but allow me to explain, If it wasn’t for the people who didn’t believe in me, the ones who looked down on me, put me down, gossiped about me, scandalized my name and rejected me – If it wasn’t for those people I wouldn’t have been in that desert place (a place of loneliness and darkness). It was there where I pulled on God and stood on my faith which has always been a big part of who I am. It was during those times that I found that I truly was someone special called by God for such a time as this. It was during those times that I matured in God and my self-esteem begin to rise. I learned that who they said I was – was so far from who I really was. And though I shout out my critics today – the one who deserves all the credit and the biggest shout is The Lord God who has been there for me through the good, bad and the ugly. He has never left my side. If it had not been for The Lord I wouldn’t be here today. And last but not least a big shout to my beautiful angel boy who watches over me from heaven and my beautiful daughter who walks with me here on earth because truly who really matters is those who truly love me unconditionally.

Website: https://therealjourneyofagrievingmother.org/

Instagram: @realjourneygrievingmothers_inc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SupportGMOMS

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWVxGqO4bf780Zo2nEB1PhA