Honouring

[Imogen]

I'm not sure how to work this post.. so be patient with me

I terminated a pregnancy when I was 19 years old... but it wasn't until years later that I decided on a little ritual so that I could say goodbye, a way of honouring the person who never was. (It was a gesture towards self-healing)

I basically wrote a letter about why I made that decision, explaining my choice and apologised for not being ready to be a Mother. I then buried that letter under my favourite tree in my local park.

Has anyone else been in this situation and done something similiar?

[lisamarie]

I wanted to link this thread that maybe helpful to you here in the Grief and Loss forum: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=255307 Some women buy a little locket, teddy bear or figurine to honor their little person. Writing can also be so healing for someone who has lost someone. I appreciate you coming here and sharing your story with us.

Warmly~

Lisa

[Shiloh]

In Japanese society they have rituals and memorials for what they call 'water children'. Women are allowed to grieve and remember this loss.

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asi...hoto442575.htm

In Japan, the Mizuko Jizo Buddha takes care of and represents stillborn, miscarried and aborted foetuses. Unique to Japan, the ceremonies surrounding the jizo were created and developed by women....both represents the soul of the deceased ..foetus, and is also the deity who takes care of children on their otherworld journey. The ritual of honouring the foetus or stillborn is called mizuko kuyo. The word mizuko means "water child," or "deceased infant/foetus," and kuyo means "memorial service."

[Imogen]

Originally Posted by Shiloh

In Japanese society they have rituals and memorials for what they call 'water children'. Women are allowed to grieve and remember this loss.

Thanks for sharing the link, I'll check it out