Richard Ganjavi channels his grief over the stillbirth of his daughter, Bella, into a children's book, "Whispers of a Purple Butterfly." The book, inspired by his own experience, focuses on a fictional 10-year-old named Lucy, who is the surviving twin in a similar situation. Ganjavi hopes the story, targeted at readers aged eight to 12, will provide comfort and understanding to children and families experiencing loss.
Richard and his wife, Naomi, received the devastating news during a routine 34-week scan on August 6, 2024, at Stratford Hospital. Rushed to Warwick Hospital, they learned Bella had been stillborn. Their other twin, Penny, was born healthy and recently celebrated her second birthday.
"In a way you never get over it," Richard, a primary school teacher, said of the ongoing impact of their loss. He began writing the book within weeks of Bella's death as a way to process his emotions and create a lasting legacy for his daughter. He reads the book to Penny, wanting her to know "that she will always be enough" when she is old enough to understand.
The response to the book has been deeply moving for Ganjavi. He has received numerous messages from bereaved parents and individuals who have lost loved ones, with many expressing that the book would have been invaluable during their own times of need. Ganjavi envisions the book being used by charities, teachers, and therapists to support those coping with the loss of a baby.
The family maintains a connection with Warwick Hospital, visiting the Rainbow Garden where Bella is memorialized with a glass leaf. They have developed a relationship with the nurses and midwives who cared for them during their difficult time. Lead nurse Bettina Powell noted the importance of remembering Bella, while neonatal nurse Teri acknowledged how lovely it has been to witness Penny's growth and observe the family navigating their journey.
"We are so proud of Penny but we're also proud of Bella," Richard stated. "When we talk about her, we say her name with pride." He believes that while the grief never disappears, the world surrounding their loss has expanded through their efforts to honor Bella's memory.