Jassonaye Wilson reflects on the past as she looks out over Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
Her son, Najea, Jr., died of SIDS at six months old. The years that followed were not easy.
"I went through a lot of different stages....suicide, depression, everything," Wilson said.
But today she is learning how to live her life again--one day at a time.
"I'm at my happy stage," Wilson said. "I work with Family Tree and I'm in a place where I can show other people that I went through this and look where I"m at now."
Wilson said that she still grieves, everyday, but she works to fight against the grief.
"I'm not letting it take over me," Wilson said. "Everyday I can make someone else aware that SIDS does happen, infant mortality is real. I thought I was alone. I thought this just happened to my baby...but it's much bigger than that."
Jassonaye said that using her platform to educate others has helped her to find peace.
"Don't give up," Wilson said. "Do not let it bring you down. Even when you're down...still get up. You're not alone. You can find someone else that has been through it and can help them and you can help each other. Hold hands....you been through this and I've been through this...let's do it together."
The annual Infant Mortality Awareness Remembrance Service will take place on Thursday, September 26 at 6:00 pm.
The service will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Lafayette.
A butterfly release will follow the ceremony.
