The Empty Card

Today I was at Hallmark (my new favorite place) and found myself in the 'Sympathy' card section. I looked down and noticed there were two spots designated for 'Loss of Child.' For whatever reason, I picked up one of the cards, ready to roll my eyes and think, "Yeah, that'll make them feel better..." after I read it. The front had a blue sky with clouds and a simple yellow flower. I was surprised to find it completely blank on the inside except for another yellow flower.

As I put it back, I thought, "what designates that blank card as a card for child loss?" But then it hit me, it was the perfect card for someone who has had to say good-bye to their child... It said nothing....

 Because what can you say to someone who frantically called 911 and pleaded for help for their child? What can you say to someone who has signed autopsy consents for their baby? What can you say to someone who has walked away, one last time, from their child? What can you say to someone who has planned a funeral for a child that should be cuddled up in their lap? What can you say to someone who now spends their day wondering how they can possibly go on when their heart has been ripped from their chest?

There are no words.

There are no words to make it better. There are no words that can take the pain away. There are no words that can adequately express the grief, sadness and brokeness that comes with losing a child.
Whoever decided that empty card belonged in the 'Loss of Child' spot must have understood that there is no quote, Bible verse or poem that can ever express the emptiness that accompanies the death of a baby.

There are simply no words.