An Empty Cradle, a Full Heart: Reflections for Mothers and Fathers after Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Infant Death

Christine O' Keeffe Lafser

may 2009 · Loyola Press

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“Bereavement after the loss of a baby is often quiet and lonely,” writes Christine O’Keeffe Lafser, who has twice lost a child to death. “There is no wake or funeral, no grave site, no memorial to our baby’s life or death. . . . Since there are no real memories of our little one’s life, people have a hard time comprehending the depth of our love and grief.” In these reflections, Lafser offers grieving parents the empathy and courage that can come only from one who has walked the same difficult path.
“Chris expressed so many of my thoughts and feelings and made me feel so normal. . . . The greatest gift is learning that God does not desert us in our time of need.”
Linda Davis, Compassionate Friends, after miscarriage and stillbirth
“The juxtaposition of a Scripture text with each reflection is inspired. Some of the texts are breathtaking in their beauty and appropriateness. This book is a ‘must’ for anyone who is ever touched by the loss of an infant.”
Joseph Awad, poet and grieving grandfather
“This book will be very helpful for parents who are mourning the loss of their child. It will also prove very beneficial to anyone who is ministering to a bereaved parent.”
Robert N. Craig, O.F.M. Cap., hospital chaplain
“These reflections allowed me to ‘be’ how I was feeling—not feel like I should be going through the stages of grief that other books described. With this book I was no longer a square peg trying to fit into a round hole.”
Jeanette Siebels, after infant death

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Christine O’Keeffe Lafser is the author of two Loyola Press books, Longing for My Child: Reflections for Parents and Siblings after a Child’s Death and An Empty Cradle, A Full Heart: Reflections for Mothers and Fathers after Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Infant Death. She has survived the death of four children and is blessed by the love and support of her husband and three living children. She and her family live in Virginia.