A Warning About SIDS From a Mother Who Lost Her Child

Kyrstyn Johnson, mother of three, saw a bright future for her son Mayson. Being a mom to Mayson and his older twin sisters brought Johnson more joy than she thought was possible.

Mayson was born on Aug. 17, 2017. He was a happy, healthy baby with a beautiful smile and a great love for following his sisters around the house. He completed Johnson’s family. In a recent story shared by Johnson she writes, “I was in total bliss with the direction my life was going. Then, just like that, it was gone.”

On April 16, 2018, Johnson received a phone call informing her that Mayson was not breathing following a nap. Upon her arrival at the hospital, she was met by doctors telling her they were so sorry. “Just like that, every part of my soul and the person I was completely shattered; and I felt every part break piece by piece,” Johnson writes.

She was led to a room where Mayson laid peacefully. She cuddled him for the last time so desperate to bring warmth to his body by holding him tight and wrapping him in blankets.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) was determined to be the cause of death, and for Johnson life as a bereaved parent has been paralyzing. As Mayson’s first birthday approached, Johnson decided to take back control and do everything in her power to keep Mayson’s memory alive. With help from Megan Nutter of Lil’ Lemon Photography, Johnson had a first birthday photo shoot for her angel baby. Following the photo shoot she was inspired to share her experience in an effort to help educate others about infant and pregnancy loss. 

Today, Johnson is on a mission to encourage people to really be there for those suffering a loss. “Come to the celebrations of life, call and check on them, show them they are loved and have reason to live, and be happy again. You may see us as strong doing what you "could never do," but we didn’t have a choice. Remind us we are strong, but remember we are also fragile and need a shoulder, an ear, or some words of encouragement. We will never forget our pain and all we ask is that you don’t forget us,” Johnson states.

In her own words, Johnson shares her story here in hopes to help other grieving families never feel alone.