Life’s Garden

One late night after the memorial service, I was listening to soothing Celtic music while writing thank you notes to everyone who supported us through my miscarriage. Somewhere in my fog of detachment one song's beautiful haunting melody deeply resonated with me, so I put it on loop. However, as the lyrics didn’t match my thoughts, I put the cards aside and endeavored to write my own. Although I had carried her for three months, we found out at that appointment that her heart had stopped beating at 7 weeks. That would have been right about the time my 2-year-old son and I were sick and feverish with the flu.

Although it was one of the most difficult and painful experiences of my life, I am so very grateful to have had the foundations of supporting family, friends, and spiritual guidance to understand the blessings and messages we were receiving throughout the entire time. There were so many that I would have fallen into deep depression or despair without them. This experience helped me understand how precious each life is, and no matter how small or short they can make such an impact in our lives. My mother had two miscarriages, so I have always carried the spirits of my brothers with me. It is comforting and reassuring to know the spirits of our loved ones always stay with us in our hearts, can share in our happiness, and are in the embrace of Mother Earth.

In the words of Native American Chief Seattle “…Our dead never forget the beautiful world that gave them being. They still love its winding rivers, its great mountains and its sequestered vales, and they ever yearn in tenderest affection over the lonely hearted living and often return to visit and comfort them” Chief Seattle's Speech - HistoryLink.org.

May we always remember, honor and welcome our loved ones with open arms.