“We talk about them because we are theirs, and they are ours, and no passage of time can change that.” -Unknown
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time for us to we honor the babies held in our hearts. The heartbreaking reality is that 1 out of every 4 confirmed pregnancies ends in loss and that number may be even higher for those who are navigating fertility and family building challenges.
When you experience loss, it becomes a permanent part of your story. The pain and grief never end, they ebbs and flows, changing with each passing day, month, and year. There are multiple layers of emotion and hidden pockets of grief that can bubble to the surface with each anticipated milestone that will never be met.
At times other people in your life may be hesitant to bring up a loss in an effort not to “remind you,” but you remember every single day. Being surrounded by a community that understands your experience, acknowledges the impact that your little one(s) has had, and provides a safe space for you to speak freely about your experience can be immensely powerful and healing.
As part of PAIL Month, International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is observed every October 15th and that day culminates with a wave of light around the world. To create the wave, families come together across the world and light candles to honor the little ones held in their hearts from 7-8p local time.
We invite you to add remembrances to the RNE Lanterns. You can add a name, a date, or anything meaningful to you that honors loss that has impacted your life.
Together we can honor all of our community’s loved ones when these candles are lit during the Wave of Light.
We remember every day, but the Wave of Light can be such a beautiful reminder that we are not alone.
This month, we once again be offering free, custom hand-stamped bracelets for anyone who has dealt with pregnancy or infant loss. They can feature a name, nickname, dates, or other meaningful phrases that can help you keep the memory of your baby close to your heart.
If you are interested in receiving a bracelet in memory of your little one or ones, please email us at admin@allpathsfb.org.