Last weekend, Phil and I were privileged to participate in the M.E.N.D. (Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death) Walk to Remember in Dallas. We went to participate, but also to get an idea of what it's like firsthand so that our M.E.N.D. chapter in Tulsa can sponsor a Walk next year. Let me just tell you... it was awesome.
Over 550 people participated in this Walk to remember over 170 babies... either their baby, grandbaby, niece, nephew, friend's baby, etc... Each participant was somehow affected by the loss of a baby whether it was through miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death.
I went (along with 2 other M.E.N.D. members from Tulsa and their husbands) early to help/learn about the process, which by the way takes a lot of work!
I was overcome with emotion as I was a greeter at the front door. Family upon family came into register holding onto precious momentos from their baby's short life. Many people came wearing matching t-shirts worn by their entire family that had their babies name on it. People were encouraged to bring momentos of their baby (ie: pictures, photo albums, scrapbooks, ultrasound pictures, hospital caps, baby clothing, etc) and place them on memory tables out in the lobby to display. It was very obvious how precious these belongings were to people as they held on tightly to them and wanted to show them to others. I later went by these tables and it was so emotional to see these tiny little babies who didn't make it, but who meant so incredibly much to their parents and families. For some, it had been years and years since their baby had died, but they still wanted to remember their lives and validate the impact and the hole in their hearts it had left.
I'm including some pictures below of the event. I truly pray that we can have a Walk next year in Tulsa because it is so healing to those who participate.
Lining up to begin the Walk. Over 550 participants!
Walking to Remember their little lives...
We walked to remember Daniel...
Bennett took in the whole ceremony and was very good during the entire time.
Part of the crowd as they listened as the founder of M.E.N.D. begins the ceremony
We had to stand in the back because the ends of the rows were full and little Pax was a little fussy!
One by one, each baby's name was read and each family came up to the memory tree and placed their angel ornament on the tree.
The ornaments were beautiful! Purple is the color of M.E.N.D.
Halfway through the ceremony, it began to rain pretty hard. We had to relocate inside to finish the service.
To end the service, each participant went outside and was given a balloon, either pink, blue or white, to symbolize the life of their baby. Sharpies were handed out so that you could write a message on it.
Bennett had his balloon...
Phil wrote the message on ours: Daniel Joseph, we will see you soon! Mommy and Daddy
As the balloons were released, it was awesome! You can't really tell from the picture, but the sky was covered in balloons!
To find out more info on M.E.N.D., click
here.
.jpg)
.jpg)
