This post on The Compassionate Friends site speaks for itself;
1). Love never dies.
2). Bereaved parents share an unspeakable bond.
3). I will grieve for a lifetime.
4). It’s a club I can never leave, but is filled with the most shining souls I’ve ever known
5). The empty chair/room/space never becomes less empty.
6). No matter how long it’s been, holidays never become easier
7). Because I know deep sorrow, I also know unspeakable joy.
Children’s Grief Awareness Day
The Langley Hospice is hosting an open house for Children’s Grief Awareness Day on Thursday, Nov. 15 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the Langley Hospice Society, at 20660 48th Ave.
The open house includes activities such as: a tour of the program centre, crafts for all ages, light snacks, a volunteer meet and greet, and more.
For more information on the Langley Hospice Society and how to light up in blue, visit www.langleyhospice.com or call 604-530-1115.
This is a great read….Stifled Grief: How the West Has It Wrong
Michelle E. Steinke writes:
I’m here to say those who are honest with the emotions that surround loss are the ones who are the least “stuck” and have received the best therapy around. You see, getting in touch with our true feelings, embracing the honest emotions of death only serve to expand the heart and allow us to move forward in a genuine and honest way. Death happens to us all so let’s turn the corner and embrace the truth behind life after loss.
If you know of anyone who might benefit from attending this session, please let them know!
St. Nicholas Church – 20675 87th Ave., Langley (Walnut Grove), BC
SPEAKERS: Denis E. Boyd, MA, Registered Psychologist & Donna L. Crombie, BA
This workshop is for those grieving the loss of a younger child, infant or baby who has died at birth, or during pregnancy as a result of stillbirth or miscarriage. It is also geared towards caregivers and volunteers dedicated to supporting these families.
Hear from an experienced therapist who works with bereaved families and a parent who will share her faith-based journey in search of hope and healing after the loss of her baby. Discuss healthy ways to work through the grief process and ideas on how to honour your child. You are not alone…meet others who understand what it is like to love and miss a little one.
Denis Boyd has been providing counselling for over 30 years. He has special interest in assisting individuals and couples in areas such as grief, stress and marriage. Donna is a Babylost Mom and coordinates events and workshops to help support bereaved families.Discuss ways to work through the grief process and ideas on how to honour your child. You are not alone…meet others who understand what it is like to love and miss a little one.
Who might be interested in attending? Parents, adult family members and friends. Professionals and volunteers who support bereaved families after the loss of a young life are also encouraged to attend. Note that caregivers will be given the opportunity to hear first-hand the kind of support bereaved families need, as well as share ideas with one another in a group setting.
Topics that will be covered include the following:
· Grieving a baby, infant or child
· You mean I’m not going crazy?
· Dealing with potential abandonment by friends & family
· Healthy and unhealthy grief reactions
· Differing grief patterns e.g. why does my spouse not understand?
· Coping strategies and getting better
Surviving the Loss of a Baby: A story of Faith, Hope and Healing
· The roller coaster ride of grief
· Finding grace in grief
· Towards hope
· Healing as an ongoing process
· Once a mom always a mom…where do I go from here?
Interactive Discussion & Group Work
· Coping through ‘angelversaries’ and other significant dates
· What has helped or hindered in the recovery after a loss whether it was an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, early infant death, SIDS or the death of a child 3 +
· Honouring and remembering your child
· Effective strategies and resources to support help bereaved families
Cost: $30/person or 2 tickets for $55. After May 16th – $35/person or 2 tickets for $65. Partial proceeds will be donated to organizations that support bereaved parents.
REGISTRATION
Pls. call: Denis Boyd & Associates at 604.931.7(two)11 to pre-register. Email: info(at)littlelightofheaven.com for more info.
We started teaching our son prayers in utero and are grateful that we did! From the very first day we were given the news that our baby existed, we spoke to, and prayed with our tiny Sweetheart.
Throughout our pregnancy, I wrote letters to our little one, and then shared them afterwards with his Daddy. Instinctively, these little notes often included a prayer. Our day always ended with night prayers together as a family; “let’s pray baby!” we would say. In our hearts, we knew our baby was listening no matter how small he or she happened to be.
The following prayer is included in a book called A Treasury of Prayers (2010) which is published by the Parishioners of Saint Nicholas Roman Catholic Church. We submitted this in honour of Keaton and to perhaps inspire others to remember their little ones when they pray.
It brings us a lot of comfort knowing that although Keaton is no longer in our arms, we are still able to pray as a family each and every day, just like we did when we were pregnant and expecting the arrival of our first born. We have faith that as we hold hands in prayer here on earth, our son also joins us with praises from heaven.
Goodnight sweetheart, we love you…
PRAYER FOR OUR BABY
Dearest Little One, may our Heavenly Father bless and protect you, keeping you safe wherever you may go. Mommy and Daddy love you very much and always will. We are so thankful to be given the gift of life from God, our Creator. Pray my child, that Jesus will cradle you in His arms as you continue to grow in His peace and love. May you be nourished spiritually by this love, remembering that our love for you is also never-ending. We joyfully anticipate the day when we will be able to see you face to face, look into your innocent eyes and hold you in our arms together. Amen