Wave of Light

October 15th Pregnancy and Infant Loss Wave of Light

Today at 7pm candles were lit all over the world in recognition of
International Baby Loss Awareness Day.

This past year has shown me a whole new world. I have always said that the loss of a child would be the greatest pain anyone could endure. Many could not imagine that pain. This past year I have come face to face with that fear. I have also seen many families go through that loss. The CHD world is full of hope, friendships and support. It is also full of sadness, pain and death. We go through life taking for granted that we will always have a tomorrow. Jacob has taught me how fragile life is. We need to cherish every moment we have no matter how stressful because tomorrow is not a given.

According to a 2004 National Vital Statistics Report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2000, 15.6% or 1,003,000 of the 6,401,000 pregnancies in the United States ended in either a miscarriage or stillbirth; the CDC also indicates that in 2003 the number of live births in the United States was 4,093,000; of those births, 27,500 ended in the death of an infant under the age of one.

Please take a moment to remember all those children who were lost while in the womb and those whose life was cut way to short. Remember all of the families who deal with this loss everyday. Remember that life is a gift and slow down and enjoy it. Hug your kids and spend as much time with them as possible. The dishes can wait, these moments can't.