Every year, since 2012, the Hospice House of the EUP has held its Silent Hearts candlelight vigil on Oct. 15.
From 2006-2011, the vigil was held at various locations in Sault Ste. Marie.
This date is known as International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.
Worldwide candles are lit at 7 p.m. hence causing a “wave of light” around the world in honor of babies who died too soon.
Yesterday, dozens of people gathered at the Hospice House to comfort each other, share stories, and remember their babies who passed away way too soon.
The vigil consisted of a poem being read by a mother who lost four children before having a healthy daughter. Then moments later, at dusk, everyone with a candle in hand, walked down the path lined with more candles to a special area that memorializes those precious babies who are now angels. Each of the babies lost was recognized by mentioning their names.
Shannon Warner, who co-sponsored the event with Margaret Swedene, had a miscarriage 25 years ago. Warner first attended Silent Hearts of the EUP four years ago.
"I personally didn't take time to grieve my loss until I was a member of Silent Hearts. I never took the moment to name my baby that was never born. I got involved being an OB nurse at the hospital. It gives me the opportunity to help others parent in a time when they need to parent. In an event like this, it gives the parents the chance to remember their child, the moments, the hopes and the dreams they had, but also an increase in awareness from the community," Warner said.
Warner reminds parents that it is never too late to start the grieving process.
"Everybody will grieve at their own time. I have had people people come to me 30 years later that never grieved. I would encourage every parent to acknowledge their baby. They die too soon and should be remembered," Warner concluded.
If you would like more information on Silent Hearts of the EUP, click here.
