Losing a Child to Death

Spirit of all Creation,

hear the words of our spoken prayer
and receive the pain which is much too difficult to voice.
Be with this family as they grieve the loss of their child,
their dreams, their hope for the future.
May the knowledge that all life comes from you
and returns to you give us courage.
May the comfort of your presence bring healing.
May the strength of your love restore hope.  Amen.

A few days ago there was sad news that Ottawa Senator hockey star, Erik Karlsson and his wife Melinda had lost a son. Initially the reports were confusing but we eventually heard that this was a stillbirth, only a month before the due date for their child, whom they named Axel.

It struck me that sharing this loss was courageous on their part, in the midst of grief, and I was grateful they did so. This is a private grief which many parents experience. Through my years of ministry I was asked to preside at a number of funerals and memorials for children who died as the result of miscarriage (early in a pregnancy) and stillbirth. As I write I recall the service for twin girls who died close to full term and can see their tiny bodies vividly in my mind. It was as tragic as any other experience of death.

Always these were intimate moments, rarely with more than a handful of people present. In earlier years a grieving mother or parents might receive little support from other family members who didn't understand why a ceremonial leave-taking was necessary. Some well-meaning people would offer platitudes which harmed rather than healed. Fortunately that changed over time. While I was not at all prepared for my first request I quickly came to understand that the sense of loss was powerful and what a solemn and sacred loss responsibility this was. For some parents the grief and depression can be lasting, even when other children are born. There is no replacing an anticipated child, any more than we can replace an infant who may die after a full-term birth.

Eventually the United Church included sensitive and pastoral resources for miscarriage and stillborn losses, including the prayer above, in Celebrating God's Presence: A Book of Services. I wonder how many denominations have done so? Many hospitals have developed meaningful rituals and support protocols for parents who have these experiences. There is an online audio resource in Britain called Stillbirth Stories http://stillbirthstories.org/themes/parents-themes/



The Karlsson's issued a statement thanking people for support in such a difficult time, along with a photo of Axel's footprints.

At this extremely difficult time it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we know one day we'll get there. We would like to thank everyone for the love and support we have received and also for respecting our privacy and the process that we need to go through.We feel very lucky to be Axel's parents. Even though he was stillborn, we know we will hold him again one day under different circumstances and the joy he gave us will be with us forever.

I hope we can all provide prayerful and practical support for those who go through this unique "valley of the shadow."

Comments?