Cornwall, Ontario – A wave of light spread through a Cornwall park on Saturday evening, as a crowd gathered at the Cenotaph on Second Street to remember babies lost during pregnancy and infancy.
Candles were held by those in attendance as they assembled around the park’s fountain, which glowed pink and blue–the colours which represent Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL).
October is PAIL Awareness Month with the 15th named as a day of awareness and remembrance, culminating with the International Wave of Light beginning at 7:00pm.
The worldwide candlelight vigils bring together those who have been affected by a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, still birth, or the loss of an infant and allow people and families to reflect on their loss, while being surrounded by those who have dealt with similar grief.
Penny Brown organized the inaugural evening and said “I plan on doing it every year because it helps people remember their babies and lets us honour them in a special way.”
Brown, who has suffered multiple miscarriages, felt that being together was the most important part of the vigil.
“I think its best that we all unite like this because it’s easier to talk to people who have been through it and tonight lets us know we aren’t alone.”
The quiet remembrance was highlighted by soft music and angel decorations, while gatherers reflected over their candles, many of which bared the names of the babies they had lost.
Catherine Bergeron attended the event with her husband, Michael, to remember their one-month son who they lost 32 years ago.
“I feel there’s a healing here tonight and it’s still so emotional, even though it was long ago for us” said Catherine “it’s important to know that you’re not alone.”
Michael added “We came to be able to get together with other people who have lost children and it’s been heartwarming and it lets us remember in a good way.”
Pregnancy and infant loss affects 1 in 4 people and the PAIL network is devoted to bringing awareness, education, and support to the issue, which many suffer with in silence.
