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Grieving Mom Honors Lost Daughter Through Bakery
10 May
Summary
- A bakery was opened to honor a daughter who died as a baby.
- The family navigated grief and the pandemic, finding solace in baking.
- They openly share their story to help others feel less alone.
Aimee and Bryan Wingen transformed their grief into a vibrant community space with the opening of their family bakery. The business, established in 2021 in Livermore, California, serves as a living memorial to their first daughter, Waylynn Betty, who passed away in August 2020 at eight months old.
Waylynn was born with a rare genetic condition, Zellweger syndrome. Her parents navigated the profound challenges of her illness alongside the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aimee, a chef, found baking to be a grounding activity amidst the uncertainty and sorrow.
What began as a home-based operation during the pandemic evolved into a brick-and-mortar bakery and restaurant. The establishment features "Waylynn's Room" and an annual "Way Day" celebration. The Wingens aim to keep Waylynn's memory alive and offer hope to others who have experienced loss.
Their journey includes the subsequent birth of their healthy daughter, Elsie, in March. The family's openness about their experiences, including a second pregnancy loss, aims to reduce the stigma surrounding infant loss and help other grieving parents feel seen and supported.
