STATE COLLEGE — One in four pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth, according to estimates from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. On May 1, Footprints in the Field invites the public to join at a Gathering in the Garden event to honor all parents who experienced one of these losses, whether the loss was recent or decades ago.
The event will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Footprints in the Field Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Garden, 150 Harvest Fields Drive, Boalsburg.
“Too often, the loss of a pregnancy or young child is kept in the shadows, and others don’t realize how common it is. Footprints in the Field wants to change that by providing a space to honor these young lives and giving their loved ones a place to remember and heal. We are looking forward to sharing this beautiful space and honoring the parents who have experienced this pain in our inaugural Gathering in the Garden,” said Footprints in the Field President Cathy Holsing.
Holsing said that as Mother’s and Father’s days approach, some parents remember babies they held only briefly or not at all.
“At this healing gathering, these individuals, and those that care about them, will come together and have the opportunity to reflect on their losses, spend time in nature, take part in nurturing activities, enjoy light refreshments and leave with personalized mementos. They’ll also have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Footprints in the Field Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Garden and order memorial stones for engraving this summer,” said Holsing.
All are welcome regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs. Support for this gathering is provided by Harvest Fields and Koch Funeral Home. Those who wish to attend can RSVP to www.footprintsinthefield.org/rsvp or visit the Footprint in the Field Facebook page.
