After doing much psychological and spiritual work throughout
the Rachel's Vineyard weekend, one of our closing rituals is a
memorial service. This is a unique, beautiful opportunity to
give honor and dignity to your lost child.
Since your baby was lost because of an abortion, it's likely
that you have never been given permission to grieve the loss of
your child. Because of the nature of such a pregnancy
loss, the tiny body of your baby was never held or buried.
It is every mother's need to grieve the loss of her child.
Likewise, it is every father's privilege to express connection
and attachment through his grief.
The Memorial Service is a special ceremony where you can give
dignity to the eternal life and memory of your child in heaven.
It is a time to bring a precious bereavement doll and placing
this symbol of your child to rest in a cradle. It is also
an act of entrusting the soul of your lost child to God. It is a
ceremonial ritual of letting go and placing your baby in the
arms of the Creator.
The service will also include an opportunity for you to read a
poem, share a letter, or sing song or any artistic expression
you choose to commemorate and express your connection to your
baby.
The Memorial Service is a special, private occasion. It is
our hope and prayer that as you go on with your life that this
moment will mark a special place in your history, the day you
gave honor, respect, and dignity to your unborn child.