Pregnancy Loss Remembrance Day

Today, October 15, is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. This is a day to remember all those babies who have passed on to the next life before they could experience much of this one. This is a day to help women heal as they recognize the true gift their children are to them, even when they only had a short time to be with them. This is a day when women can share stories, cry tears of healing, and not feel alone in their grief.

As a Catholic I believe that my children are in heaven with God, held tightly in Mary's arms. I believe that my desire to baptize my children is enough for my children to have received "baptism by desire." I believe that they are now saints, they can pray for me, their father, and their siblings, and that one day, God willing, we will all join them in heaven where our family will be complete.

My children in heaven are:
Casey Marie, lost too soon on March 31, 2008
Zachary Thomas, lost too soon on January 11, 2009
Brigit Ann, lost too soon on May 10, 2010

In commemoration of today, everyone can participate in the Wave of Light at 7 P.M. in whatever timezone you are in. Light a candle (or more than one) for one hour beginning at 7 P.M. in remembrance of the babies lost due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant loss. If someone in every timezone across the world did this for one hour, we would have 24 hours of a candle lit somewhere for all these babies.

Also, over at Catholic Sistas today, we are hosting a link-up. We hope that others will take some time today to write something about their own children and share it on their blogs which then they can share with our readers at Catholic Sistas. Sharing stories is something women often do to help each other in the healing process during tough times. It helps to know that we are not alone and that others have experienced similar grief to our own. If you are able to participate we hope you will. And check back on the blog throughout the day as we post a series of stories on pregnancy loss. There will be lots of good reading over there today, don't miss it.

I just wanted to share once again the Pregnancy Loss Resources that I have put together. The most comprehensive list I have so far is the Miscarriage.InfantLoss Board on Pinterest. In addition, there is the list of resources I have listed right here on this blog. See the link at the top of the page or click here. I'm always interested in other resources, so if you know of one I have not linked to yet, please let me know. And please share these resources with others who may be in need of them.

Finally, if you know someone who has lost a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, tell them that you are praying for them today. Or at the least, let them know that you are remembering their child today and will light a candle for them. Nothing brings comfort to a mother more than to know that her child is still remembered by others. It's so easy to feel that you are all alone in remembering your children, that everyone else has forgotten. Bring a smile to someone else's face because she does remember even if she never mentions it.

Thank you for taking the read this and for remembering the children who have touched your life in some way, no matter how small.

I Have Called You By Name ...

Four years ago I was privileged to attend a naming ceremony. At the time we had two children in heaven, Casey and Zachary. I thought the ceremony was well-put together and very meaningful for all those attending. And despite the public ceremony, the naming part of it was very private. The next Naming Ceremony is coming up on March 3. If you are local and have experienced a miscarriage, still birth, or abortion at any time in your past, please consider attending this event. Here is the complete information:

"I Have Called You by Name..."

For those who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion, you are invited to attend the 5th Annual Naming Ceremony Sunday Mar 3, 2013 at 2pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. This Diocesan event is for Catholic or Non-Catholic parents and their family who would like to remember their child/sibling/grandchild in a special way. Often a child lost due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion does not receive a funeral observance nor are the children given a name, other than in the hearts of his/her parents. This beautiful and healing commemorative liturgy will be led by Fr. John Moriarty and will be followed by a reception in the parish hall. This event is sponsored by the Diocesan Bereavement Ministry and the Bereavement Ministry and Elizabeth Ministry at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. If you have any questions about the service please contact either Laura Napora at lnapora (at) juno (dot) com or Deacon Bob or Connie Kotzbauer at ckotzbauer (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Our Little Saint

Happy Birthday, Zachary!

We love you and miss you!

Wave of Light 2012

It is once again time that time when we remember the babies we have lost too soon. I hope you will join me and families all over the world in remembering these babies today during the Wave of Light.

Whether a family lost a child to miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion, premature birth or SIDS, or some other situation that led to infant death, they dearly miss their child or children and it is good to take time to honor their memory. These families will never forget their children and remember them each and every day. But today is a good time for everyone to take an hour and remember these children.

How can you participate? It's easy, just read the graphic below and visit www.october15th.com for more information.

Please join us in remembering our babies and help to make miscarriage, stillbirth, and early infant loss less of a verboten topic.