I am a member of that club that so many women are in. A club that most keep secret about and feel shamed, and one that no one is happy or proud to be in. I have had multiple miscarriages. I have put it out there for people to read. I find it therapeutic, and from what I am getting as feedback from readers, others find it therapeutic also. That my dear friends is what Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is all about.
In October 1988, President Ronald Regan proclaimed the month of October to be “Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.” In his speech, he noted that our society has terms for the loss of a spouse (widow or widower) and a child who has lost a parent (orphan), but no term to describe a parent who has lost a child. Such a loss is unimaginable and indescribable.
All too often, pregnancy and early infancy loss is revealed and discussed only when we learn someone else has undergone a similar loss. I am amazed how many people I know in life have gone through it. It breaks my heart! But it took me telling my story for them to open up about theirs. How many people suffered in silence? How many felt alone? Why is it that way?
So I share. I share my journey. So much has happened and there is a long way to go in my journey to become a parent. In honor of this day I wanted to share some of my story again.
October 15 has become internationally recognized as “Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.” On October 15th everyone in all time zones all across the world is encouraged to light a candle at 7pm and keep the candle lit for one hour. With this simple act, we are creating a continuous wave of light all across the world.
Will you light a candle?
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