Grieving mum turns dead daughter’s playhouse into touching grave & it’s breaking people’s hearts
VISITING a loved one’s grave can be a huge source of comfort on days when you’re really struggling with the weight of the loss.
But for grieving parents Judea Arthur and her husband Brogan, something about a cold marble tombstone didn’t feel right for their nine-week-old daughter Noah-Lee’s final resting place.
On the one-year anniversary of her passing, the couple decided to create something more personal on their daughter’s burial site.
In a TikTok video that’s been viewed over 14.4m times, Judea explained how they placed an old playhouse over the grave – where they could read Noah-Lee stories and spend time privately grieving her.
The mum – who is currently expecting her second child – said: ” So for now we have put a little playhouse over the top of her that we can go and play with her and spend time with her.
“We usually watch a family movie with her but tonight I just sat down and read her a book.”
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The viral clip shows the couple giving the playhouse a deep-clean – which involved spraying all the corners with insect repellent and washing the bedding they keep inside.
What’s more, they’ve also installed solar lighting in the playhouse as they mostly visit Noah-Lee in the evenings.
On the inside, the couple have displayed family photos on the ceiling and keep some story-books to read.
In a series of follow-up videos, Judea revealed that Noah-Lee tragically died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome [SIDS].
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In response to viewers who said she was “stuck in her grief”, the mum said: “The fact that I do things for my daughter and continue to honour her and make her part of my day does not mean that I am stuck in my grief.
“It’s going to be with me forever because I lost my daughter.”
The mum also revealed that she sometimes visits Noah-Lee “multiple times a day”.
She said: “I really struggle with the idea of not getting to see her – especially as I’m due to give birth in the next week or so.
“I don’t go to her grave because I think that’s the only place I can be there with her – I go to her grave because that is time I’m dedicating to my daughter.”
What is SIDS?
Most sudden and unexplained deaths happen during the first six months of a baby’s life.
Infants born early or with a low birthweight are usually at greater risk of the syndrome.
Baby boys are usually more commonly affected by sudden infant death syndrome.
It usually happens when a baby is asleep, although it can happen when they are awake.
The exact cause is unknown, but a number of things are thought to be a factor.
Experts think that it can occur at a particular stage in a baby’s development – therefore babies who are vulnerable to certain stresses can be more at risk.
This vulnerability could be due to being born prematurely or having a low birthweight, or for other reasons.
Getting tangled in bedding, tobacco smoke, a minor illness or a breathing obstruction can also be a factor.
When it comes to smoking, research from the Geisel School of Medicine in the US says any exposure to nicotine could increase the risk of SIDS.
This includes vaping and wearing nicotine patches.
Co-sleeping – where parents sleep with their baby on a bed, sofa or chair – is also thought to be associated with sudden infant death syndrome.
“I just poured my eyes out,” one viewer replied. “This is so beautiful.”
Another added: “The pain in your voice is heartbreaking.
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“You’re an incredible mother your babies are so lucky to have such a caring and dedicated mother.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” a third wrote. “This is such a beautiful way of remembering her.”