Influencer Asks Followers to Respect Grief After Son's Death

Paige Carlene says requests for her late son's belongings 'cut deeper than you may realize'

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:47am

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Influencer Paige Carlene is asking her social media followers to respect her and her family's boundaries as they mourn the death of their newborn son, Austin. In the two months since Austin's passing, Carlene has received numerous requests from followers to donate his bassinet and other baby items. Carlene explained that these items are not just 'things' but reminders of the life and future they had envisioned for their son, and that letting go of them would feel like 'letting go of another piece of Austin,' which she is not ready for.

Why it matters

This story highlights the sensitive and deeply personal nature of grief, and the importance of respecting a family's process as they navigate the loss of a child. Carlene's plea for understanding and space to mourn on their own timeline serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned requests can be hurtful to those experiencing profound loss.

The details

Carlene and her husband, Garris, welcomed twin boys, Austin and Bubba, on October 27. The infants were born at 25 weeks, and 31 days after their birth, Austin died on November 27. In the two months following Austin's death, Carlene has received numerous requests from followers to donate his bassinet and other baby items, with some saying they 'don't need that reminder' or that their own baby 'really needs it.' Carlene explained that these items are not 'extra' but were meant for her son, and that letting go of them would feel like 'letting go of another piece of Austin,' which she is not prepared to do.

  • Paige Carlene and her husband, Garris, welcomed twin boys, Austin and Bubba, on October 27, 2025.
  • Austin died on November 27, 2025, 31 days after his birth.

The players

Paige Carlene

An influencer who recently lost her infant son, Austin.

Garris

Paige Carlene's husband.

Austin

Paige and Garris' infant son who passed away at 31 days old.

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What they’re saying

“Those items are not just things. That bassinet is where my baby was supposed to sleep. Where he was supposed to stretch his arms, make little noises in his sleep, wake up crying, be soothed, be held. That pillow is where our twins were supposed to be together, side by side, sharing bottles, naps, laughter, and life.”

— Paige Carlene, Influencer (Instagram)

“Grief does not move on a schedule, and love does not fade with time.”

— Paige Carlene, Influencer (Instagram)

The takeaway

This story serves as a poignant reminder that grief is a deeply personal process, and that even well-intentioned requests from others can be hurtful to those experiencing profound loss. Carlene's plea for understanding and space to mourn on their own timeline highlights the importance of respecting a family's boundaries during such a difficult time.