Angel Gowns for Child Loss
by Barbara Gillett Saunders, Grief Counsellor Thanatologist
I wonder if you were like me, having never heard of the term ‘Angel Gowns’ or ‘Baby Gowns’, especially in the context of infant death loss. Writing this, I can
feel the heaviness of this topic. Perhaps, you feel it too. I went searching for more information: individuals who do not know what to do with their wedding dresses are donating them to people who transform the elegant material into beautiful gowns, small, lovely gowns to dress babies who have died prematurely or close to full-term. Due to increased awareness, more people in different parts of the world are offering this gift. Some hospitals and funeral homes already have these dresses. I know not everyone who has experienced a child loss would want this, but what a beautiful gesture of compassion and caring, given to help a grieving family in some way. If this is not available in your area, perhaps it is a project worth starting. I came across different websites when looking up the words Baby Gowns, Angel Gowns and Forever Love Angels to mention a few. People are also making small blankets and bonnets that are donated to hospitals or funeral homes. Can you picture how small some of the items are? Have I caused you to think differently about the wedding dress that hangs in your closet? Oh, the one you are saving for someone Hometown St. Thomas Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com 519-495-7177 All articles written by Geoff Rae unless otherwise noted. Copy Editor – Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher – Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Woo d Photos, community events and article suggestions welcome. Please email hometown@villagerpublications.com. We look forward to hearing from you . Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
else to wear and when the time comes, the size is wrong and there you are with the wedding dress still unused. Maybe the person you hoped would wear it, doesn’t like it. Hmmm, so sad. Have I changed your mind? In the future will you be able to contribute to an Angel Gown or to make some to donate to a hospital or funeral home? I have heard people explain how much the package, with a note of love and understanding, meant to them during their sudden and traumatic loss, a time when making decisions is almost impossible -- clothing, pictures…WHAT are you talking about? You might say, ‘Take pictures!!!’ Yes, pictures are often taken in the hospital after a baby dies. In some cases, these pictures are the only tangible memory a parent will have of this child. For some, this may be the only pregnancy they have or only child they have. Memories and pictures might be all that is left. When we care, we share in many ways.
Page 36 Hometown St. Thomas • September 2024
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