October 15 is National Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness Day. Most people don’t know that, even if they’ve lost a baby. It gets overshadowed. No one wants to talk about dead babies. No one except the people who love them, and maybe the people who love those people.
Last year I made Steve and myself t-shirts with Ben’s name on them. This year I will light a candle and spend some time quietly, in remembrance. Though every day is a remembrance. How I live now is a remembrance. Perhaps one day I’ll start a version of Walk to Remember here – a way for our community to find itself. There are many of us, even in this small city. The baby lost.
For now though, I’m going to direct you to Kate Inglis’ Sweet/Salty and the speech she gave at her fourth Walk to Remember. It’s beautiful. It’s for everyone. Please go read it.
Sending love!
I found the pictures of all these young people quite heartbreaking: all young parents, just like me… but carrying a complete different story. How wonderful that someone stepped up and decided to start the Walk. Brave.
Alana,
I have been following your blog here and there since Steve posted it on facebook. One of my best friends lost her daughter at the age of 16, 6 years ago and then accidentally on purpose took her own life in July of this year. I mourn for her all the time and know how important it is to go through what you go through and express what you express in order to go on. Just thought of you today when I was looking at another blog that I follow. Started following it because I love her photography but there was a link to an old post which made me think of you and thought you would like to know about it – if you don’t already. http://www.sweetsalty.com/sweetsalty/2008/10/9/words-from-a-walk-to-remember.html
Take care,
Mary
Sorry, I should read your blog post for the day before I comment. Wierd that I was reading and thinking about you on the day you posted about the same blog.
Thank you Alana. I didn’t know that it was National Infant Loss Day, but I have been feeling it was a special day. I loved that the girls searched for balloons, and when Sophie’s accidentally left her hand for the big sky above she made a wish. She didn’t cry as I expected, but calmly made her quiet wish….for another balloon. I love the explantation of abide from SweetandSalty. I am proud to be an abider!! Love to you and all those families who need that quiet wish today.
I just saw this.
I love you and think of you and all the babies lost, most days.
XOXO