Midnight Musings by Kali Lindner
February 8th This last little while has been a strange mix of fear and hope. Bright red warned me at every moment that something was wrong; a few strong kicks let my mind wander to paint colors and lullabies. I tried to keep my body very, very still, so as to not rupture all of [...]
Poetry by Daniel McGregor
Childless Baptism Voices in joyful conversation Families gather in the Narthex Each with anticipated pride Arms baring the Lord’s bounty. Process down the isle Toward the blessed baptismal water Grace given manifest form Sacrament of inclusion and embrace. Empty arms, broken hearts We step to the altar We hold no child So Sorrow dances on [...]
CH Reviews: The Dive
On September 7, 2011, I ended an unplanned pregnancy. Only six weeks earlier, a doctor told my partner and I joyfully that, well yes, we were going to be proud parents. I sat in shock for a moment before a smile spread across my face. The shock never left his. Before we had spoken a [...]
Before and After by Emily Geering
Life is now divided. There was the time before our daughter, Charlie, was born sleeping at forty weeks of age. And the period which followed. I’m certain most bereaved parents would echo that such gut-wrenching loss is life-changing. I’m also sure that would come as no surprise to those fortunate to have never experienced such [...]
Doves of Peace – Photography by Hannah Mullins
About This Piece: Our second son, Asher, was stillborn at 35 weeks on 11/01/2012. The first night home from the hospital without him was so hard. My husband Brian and I decided to go and lay out the front of our house and look up at the stars. We were so heartbroken. We [...]
Peaceful Wishes by Erin Martin
Artist Statement: When I look at this photograph, I feel my whole body relax. It reminds me of a time when things were simple and full of hope. It makes me think of blowing on dandelions as a child and making wishes that I genuinely believed would come true. It allows me to forget about [...]
It all started out with life growing inside Embracing our husbands, we joyfully cried The promise, the hope, our dreams coming true Oh how we looked forward to having you But something went wrong, and everything ended The shock, the loss, our hearts are unmended We have lost someone precious, alone we have cried Our [...]
If you ask my Dad how he feels? He’ll probably be as quiet as the midnight air Because of this horrible pain he tries to bare And If you ask him and he just quietly sighs Look harder, you’ll see the pain in his eyes Even If he does happen to tell you he’s coping [...]
February 8th This last little while has been a strange mix of fear and hope. Bright red warned me at every moment that something was wrong; a few strong kicks let my mind wander to paint colors and lullabies. I tried to keep my body very, very still, so as to not rupture all of [...]
Childless Baptism Voices in joyful conversation Families gather in the Narthex Each with anticipated pride Arms baring the Lord’s bounty. Process down the isle Toward the blessed baptismal water Grace given manifest form Sacrament of inclusion and embrace. Empty arms, broken hearts We step to the altar We hold no child So Sorrow dances on [...]
A poem for my beautiful baby boy Rocky Francis. Born sleeping, Wednesday 28th November 2012. I’ll never get to see your smile or kiss away tears from your warm soft cheeks. I’ll never get to hear you cry and sneak you naughty treats. I’ll never get to hold your hand as we skip along the [...]
On September 7, 2011, I ended an unplanned pregnancy. Only six weeks earlier, a doctor told my partner and I joyfully that, well yes, we were going to be proud parents. I sat in shock for a moment before a smile spread across my face. The shock never left his. Before we had spoken a [...]
The things I have forgotten since losing my son to a fatal genetic disease seem silly to me, like breathing. Who forgets to breathe? Me. After Henry died, I neglected other basic and simple self-maintenance needs. Showering. Eating. Getting comfort from friends. My baby is dead – why do any of these things matter? I [...]
Life is now divided. There was the time before our daughter, Charlie, was born sleeping at forty weeks of age. And the period which followed. I’m certain most bereaved parents would echo that such gut-wrenching loss is life-changing. I’m also sure that would come as no surprise to those fortunate to have never experienced such [...]
