Father’s Day

June 21, 2009 by Audreys · Leave a Comment 

I can only imagine how difficult it must be for fathers who have lost a child to celebrate Father’s Day.  They are all Fathers who wanted to be Dads, but were not given the chance with the child that they lost.  They wanted to wake up to a laugh, a hug or even just a smile from that child today.  They can have that chance one day, but not here on earth.

The loss of a child before they took their first breath outside of the womb is devastating for both moms and dads.  I know this because both my husband and I still grieve the loss of Katelyn Grace.  We will never stop missing her.  The loss may be different for fathers, but it is no less painful.  From talking with other moms who have lost children, there seem to be two very different ways that their husbands have grieved.  Some feel that since they were never given the chance to be a dad, they are not fathers and often discount their loss.  Others, like my husband, embrace the knowledge that they are fathers.  They are fathers who will never get the chance to watch their child grow up, but they rest in the knowledge that their Father in Heaven is taking care of their little one.     

As the psalmist writes: 

As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. Psalm 103:13

The fathers who are without children here on earth should rejoice in the promise that by calling on Jesus to be their Lord and Savior and living their lives for Him they WILL see their babies again.  When they do, they will receive that hug.  Only Jesus can offer this peace and this promise.  They will be with Jesus and their child forever and ever!

My prayer for this Father’s Day  is that all fathers who have lost a child will (if they have not already) turn towards Jesus and rest in His promises.  His compassion is unending and is offered freely if only they will accept Him. 

I also pray that these fathers will celebrate Father’s Day.  Even though their children are in Heaven, they are still Fathers to them and always will be.

Whether your baby was miscarried, stillborn, or took his/her last breath shortly after birth, by God’s grace they are all resting in His arms.