Today, October 15th, is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. Recognized in all 50 states, people are asked to light a candle at 7pm tonight for one hour to remember those who left this world far, far too soon.
I have never experienced a loss myself, and it’s something that has actually been the driving force behind pursuing adoption. Is IVF truly worth the risk if we lose the pregnancy? I just don’t know how I could bear it. IVF/DE isn’t totally off the table yet, but the notion of loss is still an ever-present thought in the back of my mind.
While I’m incredibly lucky not to have experienced loss like this, I know many women, both personally and through the blogosphere, that have. And so for them, for their losses: you’re in my hearts always, but especially so today.
Pregnancy loss is one of those topics that people aren’t really sure with how to deal. How do you have a funeral? Why does this loss get less attention and compassion than the loss of someone who’s older? It’s all grief, it’s all sad, and it doesn’t deserve to be diminished in importance for the griever just because it doesn’t fit the typical model of loss and death in modern society.
I can’t imagine this kind of pain, and for those who have experienced it: I grieve for you and your loss and hope that you find peace, clarity, and hope it its wake.
Below is an incredibly moving and beautiful video with more information about this day of rememberance.
For more information, please visit http://www.october15th.com/.
Thank you for remembering with those of us who have lost babies.