Remembrance Day

Today is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

From the official website:

In October 1988, President Ronald Reagan Proclaimed October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. "When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, their isn't a word to describe them. This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world. It is also meant to inform and provide resources for parents who have lost children due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirths, birth defects, SIDS, and other causes."

Losing a child, born or un-born, is one of the hardest burdens for a person to bear.  This pain has touched my life as well as the lives of many people that I hold dear. 

Many women (and men) are reluctant to talk about the loss of an unborn child.  They might think intense grief is an over-reaction.  But it’s not.  It’s a real loss…a real life, real hopes, real dreams.  It’s not easy to “get over” and parents should allow themselves to go through the grieving process.

Here are some excellent suggestions of things to do this month to raise awareness and support for parents who lose a child. 

Despite the terrible and painful things that happen in this world, God is still good.  He has blessed me immeasurably in my life, and I look forward to praising His name with ALL my children when I get to Heaven.