Adoption Ceremony

This evening, I read an article called “Because I Love You“.  In it, the therapist describes the pain that parents feel when giving up their baby for adoption.  She also talks about an “adoption ceremony” which is a beautiful event involving both the birth parents, adoptive parents and their families.

This particular ceremony takes place in a Church setting where the Pastor offers his blessings.  The community is given the opportunity to support the families and the new bond that is shared because of the mutual love that they all have for this child.  What a powerful way to embrace these families and share the love that God has for all of us, His adopted children.

Perhaps more birth parents would think about choosing life for their babies if they are loved and supported themselves after the difficult decision to give up their little ones for adoption…

Rescuing Hug

*** Pregnancy mentioned
 

This is a beautiful article called The Rescuing Hug that features a photo of premature twins who were born 12 weeks early…a must read! 

This hits home for me because our little guy is due in less than 12 weeks.  Sending prayers to all those who are also pregnant.  Especially after a loss, it can be a challenge not to worry about the life that we are carrying within. 

Praying for the safe arrival of our babies, may God send guardian angels to watch over us all.

Support BC’s Newest Adoption Agency

“Swing into Summer Gala” fundraising event June 14th

All proceeds go toward start up fees for the adoption agency, Home for Every Child Family Services! The event will be held at the Langley Golf and Banquet Centre.  Doors open at 5:45pm and dinner will be served at 6:15pm.

Come find out about this new Christian agency and the orphan crisis, be a part of the silent auction, and learn how to swing dance!

There will be a 30 minute lesson followed by an evening of music and dancing!

Deadline for purchasing tickets:  June 6th.

Dear Mommy, On Mother’s Day

You have created every part of me; You put me together in my mother’s womb…When I was growing there in secret, You knew that I was there. 

Psalm 139:13-18

Today I celebrate you mommy, but I do this from up above;

I know this day is sad for you, but may it be full of Love. 

You need not worry for I am safe in God’s warm embrace,

I am happy here and play all day with all my angel friends.

As you sit and cry in daddy’s arms, some may not comprehend

Your tender heart will forever miss the child you grieve, that’s me!

But know that you are a mom, MY mommy you will always be…

 

On this day it may feel cold when others seem not to care;

I wish I could take away the lasting pain you seem to bear.

I cherished every day we had and if you only knew,

The kicks and flutters you often felt were the feet and tiny wings I grew.

 

When you close your eyes at night and begin to dream,

Know that I am with you, though I cannot be seen.

Feel the little kisses on your cheek, listen to the prayers that I speak; 

And in the stillness of your heart, hear my wee voice sing,

Songs of love and peacefulness mark the gifts I bring.

Know that I wait at heaven’s gate patiently for you and dad,

We’ll all be together again, so try not to be too sad.

 

Thank you for giving me the gift of life, and taking good care of me,

On this Mother’s Day remember that I Love You for Eternity…

 

With Love and Hugs,

Your Heavenly Angel

 

~ Written in Loving Memory of Baby Keaton – Born into Eternal Life on Jan. 16, 2009 ~

(Mother’s Day, 2009)

Thankfully…Times have Changed

There are two articles that two friends of mine shared with me yesterday, and I thought it was fitting to post them here.  The first article talks about how a father and mother were denied the chance to meet, touch and say goodbye to their baby as he was sent away for medical treatment shortly after birth.  Decisions were made about their son, without their input and before they could meet their newborn, the machine was “turned off”. 

I’ve heard countless stories of women in past generations who delivered stillborn babies, and their children were taken away shortly after birth.  Some were not even told if they had a baby boy or girl.  Here is a blog post that describes how a stillborn sister – “Kay” never knew existed – came to her in a dream

At the time, the general thought was to whisk the child away – quickly.  The less it was talked about, the better it was for the parents; it was best if the “situation” was forgotten, having memories of their baby would just make it worse in the long run.  Research now supports the notion that grieving does need to take place and that parents should be given the opportunity to be with their child.  Dr. Joanne Cacciatore is the founder of MISS Foundation a leading researcher in the area of infant bereavement.

Thankfully, times have changed and there is recognition that it is essential for us to bond with our babies, even if they have already passed on.  It is important for healthy grieving and healing for parents to be able to be with their children before having to say “goodbye”.  Please take a look at some suggestions for what can be done shortly after the death of a baby in a previous post.

In the second article, baby Avery is still alive, but only has a short time to live.  Her parents have made a beautiful decision to give her the opportunity to live her life to the fullest first.  It is hard to fathom a baby less than a year old, having a “bucket list”:

 

Infant Caskets…Made with Brotherly Love

A friend of mine, who lost her son a few years ago, posted information about a ministry called the Child Casket Fund.  Trappist Monks of New Melleray Abbey hand make wooden caskets as a corporal act of mercy and offer them as gifts to families who may not otherwise be able to afford one.

There are both infant and toddler caskets available as well as ones for children, youth and adults.  It makes me sad just thinking that small size caskets are even available, but as some of you are well aware, the little ones are needed too.

After the loss of a child, there are many logistical things to consider which seems very cruel and unfair to have to think about when you are grieving – especially if the death is sudden and unexpected.  Maybe knowing that your child’s final resting cradle has been embraced with a lot of love and surrounded by prayers, may offer a little bit of comfort in this time of intense suffering.

The monks also plant a tree seedling for each child and a Mass is celebrated in your little one’s name.  What a wonderful way to honour the life of a child gone-too-soon.

God bless,

Keaton’s Mama

 

Tickets Still Available!

Hope to see you there!

Apr. 23, 2012- Living Through Grief Bereavement Seminar

Guest Speaker: Denis Boyd, R. Psychologist

6:30pm – 9:30pm at St. John the Apostle Parish, Vancouver BC

Are you suffering the loss of a friend or family member? Are you grieving the loss of a baby who has died during pregnancy, birth, or in infancy? How can you help someone who is bereaved? Denis will discuss characteristics of healthy and unhealthy grief, as well as effective coping strategies after the loss of a loved one. Also hear from a parent who will share her faith-based journey in search of hope and healing after the loss of an infant.

*Pre-payment/registration required. Call Denis Boyd & Associates 604-931-7211 to save your seat! Cost: Only $25/person