A Day of Hope

A Day of Hope

Recently I visited a young family who had lost their second son at 3 months; he had caught a virus at 6 days and 11 weeks later he passed away, at home, surrounded by his loving family.  The family had contacted me to conduct his Memorial service on Monday 19^th August. 

The family is having a pagoda constructed in the backyard and planting a Japanese maple beside it during the Memorial Service and the mulch will be stones with messages from family and friends loving placed.  A visual reminder of their son’s life. So I thought that they chose this date as the construction would be complete by then.

Asking why this particular day, I was told “this is a Day of Hope, and we wish to support this initiative by Carly Marie.  Check out the website www.carlymarieprojectheal.com.au.” When I arrived home I checked this webpage. 

What an inspiration Carly Marie is!  To use her words “A day of speaking out aloud about the babies and children who are no longer here. It is a day of healing, a day of HOPE and a day that breaks the silence surrounding the death of babies and children. So many people view the death of a baby as just a sad thing that happened. These babies that die are not sad things that happen. They are human beings and much-loved, much anticipated and wanted sons and daughters, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandsons and granddaughters.”

I urge you all to look at her webpage and maybe pass the information on to those who you think will benefit – or better still make a ‘prayer flag’ in unity with Carly Marie and others.  I know I will be in memory of my sister’s first grandchild and I will be offering my flag to fly at the Memorial on the 19^th.

Your prayer flag will flutter in the breeze sending out messages of love and hope – a physical symbol of your love and support for those healing.

Being a Funeral Celebrant has it rewards and meeting and talking to this young family has enriched my journey in life and as a Celebrant.  I thank them for including me in their journey of remembrance and hope.