I was informed today by my friend Randy of a day that I should have already been aware of, and feel guilty that I didn’t know earlier. Or maybe I had heard about it once, but it got lost in the little abyss part of aurora’s brain where so many things go and are never found again!
Today, October 15, is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Apparently we are also in the middle of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. And I quote from www.october15th.com: “Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is to promote Support, Education and Awareness for grieving parents nationwide (and worldwide).”
I love that there is such a day. I love that people who have suffered the loss of a child in this way have an avenue to grieve, remember, celebrate, whatever it is they need to do to be able to get through. With my own experience of losing my little Jenna, all too often all I heard was “you need to move on”, “it’s been months you need to get over this”, “it just wasn’t meant to be”, blah blah blah. (God forbid if this ever happens to a loved one of yours PLEASE don’t say any of this! <3) After that ended, then there was nothing. Of course I don’t expect people to remember this happened to me, I really don’t. I know that life goes on, and it’s not something that most people even feel comfortable bringing up I’m sure. So that’s exactly why I’m so very happy that people who have suffered this type of loss have an outlet with others who have had similar experiences. They hold Remembrance Walks this month, all kinds of things, that will allow grieving parents, families, friends find a place they can still focus on their loss and healing process, since the initial support base tends to dwindle over time.
I think about Jenna everyday. I usually only allow myself to really focus on what happened, to allow myself the long hard cry or look at her pictures and footprints/handprints, hold her little baby cap they put on her head, etc, on one day out of the year and that’s her birthday March 19. Now that I know there is a day like today, I know I will want to find that type of outlet that will allow me to join others that have gone through this so we can remember together. Becky and Randy, Imna try to join your walk next year! And many hugs and loving thoughts to my great friends Becky and Randy and their family on this day too!
Much love to the cutest little love of mine:
Jenna Christina Velasco
March 19, 2002
<3
I am so sorry Aurora. I had no idea you had ever gone through something like this and I just want you to know I am thinking about you and praying for you. I know it has been too long since we have actually talked other than e-mails but please know you can always call if you need someone to talk to!
Thanks girlie, it really means SO SO much to me knowing you care!! xoxoxo!!
Oh Aurora….it makes me cry every time I think of Jenna –and you & Alex losing her………Becky & Randy & their babies too……..but I am glad that the public can acknowledge how important it is to remember all the families out there that have suffered. Let’s congratulate all the blessings that are born into the world 🙂 & support all those who have lost a little child.
B thanks so much!!! seriously, your note meant the world to me to read! ♥ thanks for being there for me always!!
You’re the best Aurora, we love you! Thanks for all your support as well. I’ll remember Jenna in a special way today as well.
Love you all too Randy!! It’s so comforting to know we have our support base with each other, as no one really can understand unless they’ve been through it too. Thanks for everything SOOO much!!!! And give my favorite “nieces” a huge hug from me <3 <3
Aurora, I am just now reading this and I am so glad that I took the time to scroll down your page. Thank you for sharing Jenna’s story with us because she is such a huge part of who you are and I am honored that you have shared your journey with her, with us. You have my respect and admiration for your strength. My son’s birthday is March 18th and now that I know Jenna’s is March 19th, the day after, you can count on one more person saying “Happy Birthday Jenna” and sending love and hugs to her and her beautiful mother on that day.
that was beautiful what you said Amber! thanks for being so caring, and it’s so wonderful of you to send some fuzzy thoughts out to us on her b-day! xoxoxo!