6 Friday, November 15, 2019 brooklintowncrier.com If you read my column regularly, you might remember that my brother and his wife lost their newborn baby just days after its birth. It was a sad time, but almost a year later we are excitedly and cautiously awaiting the arrival of the little rainbow baby. They are expecting a baby boy in December, just in time for Christmas. A rainbow baby is a name given to a healthy baby born after losing a baby due to miscarriage, infant loss, stillbirth, or neo-natal death. The name "rainbow baby" mirrors the idea of a rainbow appearing in the sky after a storm, or after a difficult time. The term has come to symbolize hope and healing. For those who have experienced the loss of a baby, the birth of a rainbow baby is a time of immense joy, reflection, healing, and mixed emotions. Rainbow babies are often seen as 'miracle' babies due to the powerful impact they can have on helping parents heal after a loss. However, rainbow pregnancies can bring strong feelings of anxiety, guilt, and even fear in addition to grief, relief, excitement, and elation. While it might feel impossible to ever fully recover emotionally from the pain and grief, a new baby does provide great joy. My brother and sister- in-law have conflicting emotions about honouring a baby who has died while celebrating one that's healthy. They are still grieving a loss while anticipating a new life. Friends and family are happy for the couple but also struggle with what to say. They want to celebrate the new baby yet also want to be sensitive to the child who passed. Here are some tips to show you care: Send a rainbow. A rainbow baby will not erase the pain of the lost baby. But, like real rainbows, this baby will bring joy, brightness, and light to a family who's suffered a tragic loss. A rainbow-themed gift like a baby blanket or rainbow onesie will let the family know you're remembering their lost child while also celebrating the new baby. Say the lost baby's name... ...to the parent so they can hear someone speak the special name they chose for their precious child. Speak the name often just as you would for any of the family's living children. Death does not change the fact they lost a child, a family member. Give space and empathy. Just like mourning the loss of their baby, they will experience the birth of their rainbow baby with mixed emotions. They need space to grieve their loss, celebrate the new life and bond as a family. Give them time. They will share their joy with you when ready. Celebrate the whole family. Recognize that this is a time filled with intense joy, fear and heartache. Instead of a baby shower, consider a more intimate gathering. Gifts that include all the children can be a beautiful way to celebrate this family. I have a special connection with our expected new little family member. I am also a rainbow baby. I don't consider my birth a miracle by any means, but I do feel that in a way, I need to honour my twin brothers who never had the chance to share their colours with the world. Perhaps that's why I write. Next week, Hudson would have turned one. Happy birthday, little angel. Rainbow Baby Our Brooklin Kids By Leanne Brown WORSHIP DIRECTORY WORSHIP DIRECTORY Burns Presbyterian Church 765 Myrtle Rd West (just 4 minutes north of Brooklin) 10am Worship, Kids Zone Fun & Nursery Care "Discovering God, Sharing God's Love" 905.655.8509 www.Burnschurch.org Brooklin United Church 19 Cassels Rd. E. Sundays 10:30 am Sunday School & Nursery Care Come catch the Spirit! www.brooklinunited.ca 905.655.4141 Renaissance Baptist Church of Brooklin 40 Vipond Road (Just West Of Library) Sunday Worship & Kids Program 10:30 am We're here for Brooklin! 905.655.4554 www.brooklinrbc.ca Brooklin Village Church At Brooklin High School, 20 Carnwith Drive W. Sundays, 10:30 am Our Mission is to share the love of Christ as we live out our calling to become more like Him. www.brooklinvillagechurch.com St. Thomas' Anglican Church 101 Winchester Road East Sunday Services: 8:30 and 10:30 am Sunday School & Nursery Program (10:30am) Wednesday 10:00 am Communion & Healing Service Celebrating 150 years in Brooklin 'Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we welcome you!' 905.655.3883 www.stthomasbrooklin.ca Only two more editions of the Brooklin Town Crier before Christmas. Email today to advertise: mulcahy42@rogers.com