The Meidam Family: Walk to Remember

What a BEAUTIFUL day for a Walk. It was the annual Walk to Remember infant loss down by the lake. We've gone as a family each year since losing Briana. This year about 250 people attended...seemed like the biggest turnout since we've been there today. The walk is about 1.5-2 miles and there is a little program at the start and end of the walk. A few songs are sung, prayers are said and we get to speak the names of our children of whom we are there to remember.

Speaking the name of your child - your child who is no longer here on earth with you. You have no idea how great that is! It's such a hard thing. You know they existed. You know they are your child. You want to talk about them all the time. But the fact is - some people you've met since you've lost your child and they have no clue what has happened in your life. Others just aren't comfortable talking about it with you. And it is pretty hard to talk about someone when they are not here growing and changing in front of you - what do you say about them to keep conversation alive.

I look forward to this event every year. There are a few programs/events we do each year through Wheaton Fransican hospital (where we attended an infant loss support group). It's like going to a sporting event or something. In upcoming years we will have soccer games and swimming lessons and music class, etc for Grant, Alayna and Landon, but it's events like the Walk to Remember in which we can celebrate Briana.

Her life was short, but has shaped us into who we are today as individuals, a couple, parents and a family. Although I don't like the fact she is gone, I'm thankful I had the chance to have her for a little while. Our lives have been changed forever and for the better.

The program at the event is the same every year and this poem is always read. You'd think with it being our 5th year doing the walk I would be able to particiate in the reading without all the tears, etc but today I couldn't do it. Post pregnancy hormones? Maybe. Or I was just having one of those "missing you" days.

A Walk to Remember - by Kathy Mayo

I walk to remember the steps you'll never take

I carry you with me as I firmly plant my feet

Our trek started long ago, before my belly swelled
You were a love the grew - like butterfly wings that beat

Your gentle flutters then became kicks upon which I would dwell

And I would talk to you, sweet babe,
About the world you soon would meet

The sun always shone upon us then - when you were in my womb,

And I was eager to show you the world that would have been your home

How you'd have loved the sun shining - blue skies without a cloud

The automn leaves turning - the snow falling all around
The flowers in the summer would have filled you eyes with smiles,

And the rain that might have fallen would have caused you great surprise

You would have traveled far with me - holding me by the hand