For parents who have experienced the devastating loss of a child, language can matter deeply. Certain words help express grief, remembrance, and hope in ways that feel human when everything else feels unbearable. One such term is “rainbow baby.”

The night Zach left us will remain etched in my memory forever.   It began with the dogs’ frantic barking at 2 a.m., waking me from a restless sleep. I opened the Velux window to see a police officer standing outside.   "Mrs. Whittall, it’s the police," he said softly but firmly.   In that moment, my heart broke into a thousand pieces. I didn’t need to hear the words; I already knew. This was about Zachary.

There is no pain greater than the loss of a child, a grief that feels insurmountable and an absence that leaves a void in every part of life. If you’re facing the unimaginable task of planning your child’s funeral, it’s important to approach this process with as much compassion for yourself as possible.

Anniversaries can stir up a mix of emotions. They mark important milestones in our lives, celebrating love, remembering significant events, or honouring the memory of those we've lost.