Sunday, October 17, 2010

Remembrance Ceremony

On Friday night Anthony and I (along with the girls) went to a remembrance ceremony for October 15th. It was the first year that this one was held. We met up with our friends Josh & Jenny at the event. They lost their daughter Kayden (who also had anencephaly) not long after we lost Carleigh.

I didn’t get to take as many pictures as I had wanted because little miss Lainey decided she was hungry almost the entire time. So the only pictures I got were ones that Anthony took. I had wanted to get a picture of the 4 of us but it didn’t happen.

I was glad that I was able to wear my memorial brooch by Franchesca to the ceremony. I love it!

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They had the ceremony at a park in one of the pavilions. It got a little chilly toward the end but overall it wasn’t bad. Inside the pavilion it was lit up with lights and candles. It was peaceful and pretty. They had snacks and drinks. I didn’t have any but Kyndra had some cookies and a cupcake.

They had stars that we could write our baby/babies’ names and stick in the ground.

We all had the opportunity to go up to the main table and share our stories and our babies and then light our candles that we had from the main candle from the table. What was funny was when we were up front and shared and went to light our candles Kyndra tried blowing out the main candle. Luckily she doesn’t have a lot of wind behind her effort so it didn’t do anything.

They handed out a small candle to each of the families in attendance before everyone left. Attached to the candles was a little card and on the card was this poem:

Because of You by J. Melia

Because of you I appreciate the sunset more than before.

Because of you I stop to look up at the moon and wish upon a star.

Because of you I look forward to hearing the birds sing in the morning, and thank God for their beautiful songs.

Because of you I am more understanding of others and accept people for who they are.

Because of you material things do not matter.

Because of you the touch of someone you love is more precious than any gift you can receive.

Because of you I have a broken heart but I thank God for sending you to me.

For there is no stronger love than I hold for you.

Until we meet again.

I’m really glad that we went to the ceremony. It was our first year going to something like this and I definitely want to do it again next year. Maybe we can even do more than one.

There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief…and unspeakable love. ~Washington Irving

13 comments:

Debby@Just Breathe said...

So glad you attended. Sounds like it was a nice ceremony. ((HUGS))

Betty said...

I'm so glad you guys had a great time! Kyndra is so cute! I'm sure she lightened the mood for everyone. I love the quote at the end of your post. So beautiful.

The Blue Sparrow said...

It so pretty! I love all the names on the stars and that they lit up the pavillion with candles, that sounds like it was a gorgous but sad sight. (((HUGS)))

Andrea said...

Holly,

The ceremony was beautiful...and that poem is absolutely powerful! I cried as I read it, because I relate to every single word. Simply beautiful in every way.

xxx

Mother Knows Best Reviews said...

That is just gorgeous - and Kyndra is so adorable!

Caroline said...

I bet it was a ceremony. So glad you guys enjoyed it.

Caroline

Radiant Readhead said...

i am so bummed i missed it! i was upset i had to work....maybe next year I will make it. but i swear, i WILL see you before then...lol

Lisette said...

I love that poem!!!
I am so glad that they had a memorial service, so beautiful.

R said...

How special that Carleigh & Jordan's names are on stars :) I love both the poem & quote you shared- they're both so true. At the walk we go to they read a responsive prayer called We Remember Them that's also touching.

Mary said...

LOVE that poem! Had never heard it, going to have to save it to share later on Isabella's blog, if that is okay. Sounds like a nice ceremony, I hope next year we can find something like that around here to go to. LOL the trying to blow out the candle sounds like something my Jonathan would try to do!

CynthiaS said...

what an awesome poem! and love the star idea!

Anonymous said...

It sounds like a beautiful ceremony.

Crystal Theresa said...

It sounds like a it was lovely ceremony. I love all the stars and the poem, and especially the quote you shared at the end.

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