Trigger warning: child loss
On December 11th, my son Lucas passed away due to complications from a severe intestinal condition known as necrotizing enterocolitis. That day felt like it took my breath away. Suddenly, I was faced with an unimaginable reality—how could I move forward without Lucas? With my heart in pieces, life seemed to carry on around me, and I knew I had to find a way to cope with this overwhelming loss that threatened to consume me.
Since Lucas’ passing, I have found that my desire to celebrate his joyful spirit outweighs the feelings of regret, guilt, and anger that surround his departure. Lucas had a smile that radiated warmth and brightness. As the first anniversary of his death approached, I felt a strong urge to create a way for everyone who knew and loved him to come together in remembrance. While looking through pictures of Lucas, I recalled how I used to carry him in vibrant, rainbow-patterned slings. It was then that I decided we would commemorate Rainbows to Remember Lucas on December 11th.
This event was born out of a need to transform a day filled with sorrow into one of positivity and love. Instead of dreading the anniversary of Lucas’ death and retreating into solitude, we established a tradition that helps our family cope and heal. On Rainbows to Remember Lucas, we dress in our most colorful clothing, invite our friends and community to join us in creating rainbows, and find meaningful ways to give back in Lucas’ name. The rainbows we create each year are breathtaking, filling us with a sense of peace on that difficult day.
Rainbows to Remember Lucas is also a day of giving back that reflects his spirit. During his short life, Lucas received 211 blood transfusions. In his honor, we make a point to donate blood on this day, knowing how vital it can be for others. Additionally, the risks associated with necrotizing enterocolitis can be reduced when infants receive human milk, so I donated 3,000 ounces of my breast milk to nonprofit milk banks while nursing Lucas’s brothers. Bonding was challenging for us as Lucas was often too ill to hold, so we connected through storytime. For this reason, we also donate new children’s books to families in the neonatal intensive care unit on Rainbows to Remember Lucas.
Every year on December 11th, we create rainbows, give to others, and cherish the videos and photos of Lucas. We share laughter and tears as we celebrate the boy who should be outside playing with his brothers and pets. While Rainbows to Remember Lucas doesn’t erase the heartache, it allows us to transform our grief into something beautiful and meaningful. The support from our family and friends who join us in this celebration reminds us that we are not alone in our love and sorrow for Lucas. Having a community that remembers and honors our child is everything a grieving parent could wish for.
If you’re interested in exploring more about such experiences, you can check out this blog post. For more authoritative information on related topics, visit this resource that offers insights and guidance. Additionally, Hopkins Medicine is a fantastic resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, creating a special day to remember my son Lucas through joyful traditions and acts of kindness has helped my family transform our grief into love. We embrace the memories and find strength in the support of our community, celebrating his legacy every year.