National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day 2016

October 15th was deemed National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day back in 1988 by then-President Ronald Reagan. Every year since, loss families and communities at large come together on this day to recognize little ones who left this earth far too soon.

In honor of this special day and our son in heaven, Chance, I'm sharing a few resources that might be helpful or insightful.

Hope Mommies Blog Series - several series of posts related to loss, grief, choosing to praise in the midst of suffering, and the reminder of our heavenly hope.

What Grieving People Wish You Knew about What Really Helps (and What Really Hurts) - a new book by Nancy Guthrie. Click here to watch a 20 min video clip of Nancy speaking on this topic.

Grieving The Child I Never Knew - a devotional for women by Kathe Wunnenberg

Loved Baby - An online support group for women who have experienced pregnancy and/or infant loss. (I joined the group's admin team, along with several other women, at the beginning of this year. There is so much encouragement and support within this group. Please consider joining if you have been touched by pregnancy or infant loss.)

A listing of hope walks and balloon release ceremonies by state. Check out what might be happening in your city!

A few pictures from the balloon release at Chance's funeral in April of 2015 . . .

Praying (especially hard this month) for all the families touched by pregnancy and/or infant loss. May you find purpose in your pain and may God grant you joy and peace as you journey this path you never asked to walk. God is good, regardless of circumstance. Let's claim that truth even as we walk this earth without our little ones. 

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2