As Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day approaches October 15th, momstown encourages moms to remember they aren’t alone.
With Thanksgiving coming this weekend, we're all reminded how grateful we are for our family and our precious children. It's also a time of year that can be especially painful for those who have lost babies and pregnancies as those souls are remembered.
October 15th has been designated as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day in honour of all families who have suffered the painful loss of a miscarriage, stillbirth or similar tragedy. It's a beautiful sentiment to recognize the loss parents feel – and continue to feel for years afterwards – from the loss of a child and a dream.
Many of us are familiar with the stats – that 1 in 4 women miscarry. Recently, I was with a group of women where 3 out of 4 had miscarried which was a stunning realisation just how very common it is. Despite the frequency, support for parents is random and often families have difficulty working through their grief or don't share their grief until long after.
Our generation tends to be more open with discussing these circumstances than our mothers were and we also look to recognize these lost lives versus to choosing to "just move on" or consider it "God's wish". These comments although meant in support can be extremely hurtful to a grieving parent. As a result, those with a loss often feel isolated in their grief and those trying to support are confused about how to help.
Now, there is a wonderful way now to make a private, or public, recognition of these children with the International Wave of Light at 7pm on October 15th. It is suggested to light a candle in the honour of your lost child, or in honour of all lost children.
Some communities have a public walk planned during this time and you can search out locations at http://www.october15th.com This is new to Canada but there are walks planned in Barrie, Toronto, Winnipeg, Halifax & Moose Jaw with many, many planned in the USA.
If you'd like to learn more about this day click here to watch the Youtube video which explains more about this remembrance. It's a very sensitive but beautiful video, so be warned that you're likely to get emotional.
Let's all be thankful for our beautiful children, those who are here with us and those who are no longer.
– by Ann-Marie Burton, mom of 3, founder and president of momstown.ca; Follow Ann-Marie and the momstown team on Twitter @momstownCA, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram.
photo credit- scenicreflections.com
