Candlelight Vigil

Last evening, my sister-in-law Kala and I attended a beautiful Candlelight Vigil in the nearby city of Rocky Mount, North Carolina (I actually lived there at one point for a brief time). It was in recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, which isn't technically until October. The event was Nash Health Care's Annual Walk of Remembrance for Steps Never Taken.

I had heard of this group before because they usually put on a Memorial Walk, but this year had a Candlelight Vigil in lieu of the Walk. Since I am already planning on attending a Walk in Raleigh next month, I was really hoping to have something like this to go to. I am glad Kala wanted to come with me. We even took time beforehand to drive by my old house and then ate dinner at a cute shiny diner!

Kala and I both agree that there is something special about a Candelight Vigil... it is sacred and intimate, all the families gathered together to remember and honor our loved and missed babies. I don't know those people or their stories, but it was an honor to hear the names of their babies and to celebrate them all together. 💕

Here are Kala and I with our candles. I wore my Lily's handprint necklace and my "Held Your Whole Life" shirt (I meant to get a better picture).

They had special bags for luminaries that we were able to decorate ourselves... Kala and I each made one for Lily and then I made one as well for my Aunt Rachel. We were given the bags to take home with us as a keepsake, along with the sand and "candles" inside.

I loved all the purple and white decorations! Everything was beautifully put-together and thought-out.

Kala and I also wrote on the back of our bags

The luminaries for all our precious babies

the location was peaceful

We wrote our babies names in a book to be read aloud during the Vigil. As each baby's name was spoken, their family would come up and have their candle lit. It was touching.

Mine and Kala's candles lit 

A young woman sang a couple songs. She has a beautiful voice and I told her how much I appreciated her being there. Having live music made the event that much more special.

This video is a little snippet of one of the songs she sang.

As it grew darker, the luminaries looked prettier. This was a photo Kala took on the car-ride home.

I'm glad to have the luminaries to hang on to as a keepsake, as well as the program from the event. It was a special evening for Lily. I also found out it was National Daughters Day, which was quite appropriate. :) Thank the Lord the rain held off.

Tweet

Compassionate Friends Candlelight Service

"that their light may always shine . . . "

Today is the Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting in memory of all children who have died no matter the age, cause, or location. You don't have to attend a service to participate. Just light a candle for an hour wherever you are with friends, family, or in quiet solitude. To find the service nearest you, whether in the U.S. or another country around the world, click here and look for the link.

You can post a tribute to your child or loved one in the online Remembrance Book here. Follow along with Compassionate Friends on their facebook page.

Please pass this information along to your family and friends. 

For my local friends, there is a ceremony in Apex, North Carolina (details below) if you are interested. Children are honored that are lost from infancy up to adulthood. My grandmother attends the CF Candle Lighting in my hometown in Virginia. I have been with her and it is a truly beautiful, special service.

Apex – Wake County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends

Date & Time: December 9, 2012 - 6:30 PM

Location: Apex United Methodist Church, 100 South Hughes Street, Apex, NC

Highlights: Reading of children's names and memory sharing, hand bell choir, and special music.

Bring: Please bring pictures of your children in frames which will stand or a small remembrance and a snack to share after the ceremony. You may also bring a small candle in a glass container or get one for a small donation, to help cover the cost, when you sign in.

Special Events (after): There will be a time to share food, mingle with other bereaved family members, and share memories of your children with others immediately following the ceremony.

Contact: Dennis Riggs

Telephone: 919-740-6387 Email: dennisr711@gmail.com 

I hope to see you all there! 

Tweet