Hug Your Little Ones

I just got home from a funeral for a 17 month old baby. What do you say about such an experience? It was very nice -as funerals go- and there prevailed a spirit of Peace. And yet it was heart breaking to witness the raw greif of the parents as they took their seats in front of the casket. Kyla was the third baby to die in our ward in a year and a half. Doesn't that seem like a disproportionate number? In this case, the baby had croup, stopped breathing and as a result, suffered extensive brain damage. I don't know all the other details, but do you really need them? When I first learned about the baby being in the hospital my heart went out to the mother (of course) and all she must be suffering. That night when I put Lida in bed it was so HARD to leave her there and go to bed myself. I just wanted to sit in the chair beside her crib and listen to her breathe.

My friend Gina went with me to the funeral. Or I went with her?? She is one of the mothers who lost a baby in the last year and a half. She wanted to go to show her love and support and at the same time DIDN'T want to go because her own grief is still so sharpand new. So, we went together. Gina held Lida through most of the service, and I think it helped a little. I know it helped me and I haven't lost a child!

I guess this post is a bit garbled but I suppose most of you understand. Babies aren't supposed to die! Mothers die first!...in a perfect world. So tonight give your little ones an extra hug and a kiss. Hold them just a little longer than usual - maybe stop and listen to them breathe - and remember that there is at least one mother who would dearly love to hold her little girl tonight.