A stillborn baby is still born.
In 1998 President Ronald Reagan designated October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. A few years later, in 2002, October 15th was expressly established as a day of remembrance for bereaved families and loved ones who have lost a baby either due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.
Coincidentally, October 15th was the birthdate of my stillborn brother.
Continuing in like fashion with the previous nine months of 2026, the focus of my October website blog focuses on a word which contains the letters s-t-i-l-l.
Stillborn…
Not a word any parent wants to hear. But a reality each year for over 20,000 families in the United States. On October 15, 1956, sadly, the word had personal meaning for my Momma and Daddy, a reality that no doubt shook them both to the core and impacted their lives forever.
Founded in 2003, the International Wave of Light became an integral part of this October 15th Remembrance Day, extending a worldwide invitation for affected families to participate in this time of reflection.
At 7 p.m. local time, loved ones who grieve a child lost in pregnancy or infancy are asked to light a candle and let it burn for one or more hours on this date. The goal: a wave of light encircling the earth throughout all the different time zones during this 24-hour period.
Several years ago, on October 15th, I stood at my brother’s candlelit grave from 7 pm until 8 pm. While there, I thanked God for William, and I celebrated his life.
Perhaps the use of the word celebrated seems odd, considering the circumstances. William died during delivery. An autopsy revealed his lungs never filled with air. He never took a single breath. What’s there to celebrate about a deceased child?
William was created by God in His image and was very much alive in my mother’s womb. Will I ever understand why God chose to take my brother to heaven as an infant? No, I will not. But here’s what I do know. God makes no mistakes. I celebrate my brother’s brief time on earth because…
Stillborn is still born.
Artwork from ““My Other Brother” © 2023 Nan Carlton
THIS I KNOW
by Nan Carlton
Jesus loves you, this I know
Because the Bible tells me so.
You were weak, but now you’re strong,
Safe in His arms where you belong.
Jesus loves you so.
Yes, Jesus loves you.
This I know.
When you reached the other side,
The gates of heav’n were opened wide.
Jesus cried, “Come unto me.
Sweet, precious babe, I’ll cradle thee.”
Jesus loves you so.
Yes, Jesus loves you.
This I know.
Now you dwell with Him above—
Eternal peace, eternal love.
What joy to be in heav’n on high,
Where angels sing this lullaby:
Jesus loves you so.
Yes, Jesus loves you.
This I know.
Happy heavenly birthday, William!