Moving from Cope to Hope

by Jane Mauldin, BCM Healthcare Chaplain

An infant died in utero. A mother lost her baby.

The mother had tears streaming down her face. The father was in shock. The baby was lying alone in a bassinet. I entered the hospital room, introduced myself to the parents, and asked if I could sit down.

The mother said to me, “I can’t believe this happened. I don’t know how to feel. I want to go home.” She didn’t want to see or hold her baby.

I replied, “I know this is unbelievable. I know this is a terrible time.”

After a moment, I stood up and approached the curtain. “May I see your baby?”

I spoke to the baby boy. “Hello, little one. How beautiful you are. Tiny, tiny fingers. So perfect.” I looked at the mother. “Would it be ok if I pick him up?” The mother nodded yes. I cradled the baby and swayed back and forth.

Slowly, I approached the mother. “Would you like to hold him?”

Holding her child for the first time, the mother began to cry. The father drew closer. Together, they tenderly examined their child’s fingers, toes, and hair.

The mother asked me, “Why did God let this happen? How can I believe in God after this?” She was confused, grief-stricken, and angry.

“I don’t know,” I said. “Everyone has different thoughts about God. I think God is right here, right now, crying with you.” Everyone started crying. There was so much love in the room.

“May I say a blessing for your son?” I asked. Both parents agreed.

I said a prayer of thanks to God for this child whose parents will love him always. I asked God’s grace and healing for both parents. I asked God to bless this baby boy who now lives with God in peace and love.

To donate to BCM’s Chaplaincy Services program, click here.