I held a hand tonight.
I prayed and let her tears fall on my hands.
I read words of sacramental grace
And let my compassionate tears well up on my face.
I knew that I was there to be Christ
…in that moment
…with that family.
I baptized a baby tonight.
A little boy who will never laugh, never coo.
Will never play soccer or say “I love you.”
And yet the loss his parents know
Is as profound as any grief one can feel.
I knew that I was there to be Christ
…in that moment
…with that family.
I said goodbye tonight
To a little one who is now
In the presence of Christ
Who sees the wonder
Who worships the Creator
Who knows the answers to the questions
That I knew I could not answer tonight
…in that moment
…with that family.
Thank God I work and serve
for my Lord who hears and knows and speaks
when my words are inadequate
and hearts are so grieved.
An Unfinished Symphony 
Deb, praying for you as you minister in such a deep way. Sounds like God is using you to love and comfort and you said it so beautifully. love you, friend.
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as a former ob, I relied on the chaplaincy to be there for the sad times in ob practice. Took a training with several of them called “Resolve Through Sharing” – a national organization that would be well worth offering to everyone at your hospital involved in pregnancy loss at any gestation. (sometimes miscarriage or ectopic pregnancies need it as much as term and preterm little ones)
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We use RTS materials — very helpful and VERY healing. ❤
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Deb, such a profound, gentle, grace-filled ministry of love. Blessings for you and the families you touch. They will never forget you, you will always be the face of Christ for them, in that face, tears of love.
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