A Walk to Remember

President Ronald Reagan proclaimed, in 1988, the month of October as “National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness” Month. 

When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them. – Ronald Reagan (h/t http://www.october15th.com)

Until this year, I was not even aware of this proclamation. President Reagan’s words certainly ring true with us now more than ever. On October 15, 2016, our family joined together with some thoughtful friends, along with other parents and families too numerous to count, at a park and enjoyed fellowship, a pleasant stroll, and a poignant balloon ceremony. The event was quite incredible, and caused a range of emotions to pour fourth.

One thing more than any other struck me that day: so many other families share a similar experience as us. The stories told by those who could speak in the midst of tears, or the signs that proclaimed the words they were unable to utter in the grief, spoke of loss in numerous ways. And yet, the visible triumph of these good folks was evident. Prayers, hugs, knowing glances and nods were all evidence that God had pulled us through the storm.

Despite our loss, I am thankful to be part of such a wonderful community of new friends. This gathering proved we were not alone. I also realized that Jacob wasn’t the only one to leave a ripple effect. We were awash in the ripples, and waves, created by the lives of hundreds of other little ones.