My Angel Baby was stillborn on February 16th, 2018, after nine months of a happy and healthy (perfect) pregnancy his name is Arthur James, 7lbs, 13oz 21in at 10:56PM. I suffered a full placental abruption at 37 weeks and 5 days, with no cause, which took his life and almost took mine. Sadly, with no warning, Arthur went to Heaven, and I remained on Earth attempting to figure out my second chance to live this new life I was given. Arthur went on to impact so many lives, in ways a bereaved mother never could have imagined. He has been a change agent within bereaved care, assisted nurses in critical care trainings and revamped hospital policy across Western New York, he has touched people across the country with national awards for doctors and nurses, all while being still. A big feat, for a little boy with big feet.

Being a bereaved parent is a difficult task and parenting a child in Heaven is a very silent, lonely and dark journey. A quote from Ronald Reagan states “When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child. There isn’t a word to describe them, they are just bereaved.” This is correct, I have no title I am just bereaved and trying to shed light within the bereaved community. I have created a group to keep Arthur’s legacy alive and help other families during their darkest days by providing them light.

Arthur’s Light was created to provide bereaved families with a candle as a token of light at the end of a tunnel. My hopes are that these candles will bring comfort for families, with a flicker of a flame, to light their way and gain some peace. I am shocked about the outpouring of support our family, friends and strangers have given. Arthur’s Light has donated over 4,000 candles to date and more are donated each year. By collecting the candles, we have raised awareness to such an unspeakable subject and created a project of a simple hope, that one day our worlds will have a bright spot in them again. It is a blessing to see so many people come together for my Arthur. It brings me such joy that Arthur’s name is being spoken and written by so many people.

I have a goal set of 2,500 candles each year. Candles are gratefully accepted and can be purchased simply at the Dollar Tree but must have a lid/covering per hospital policy. Checks can be made payable to Arthur’s Light. Please contact WNYPBN for additional information.

Arthur’s Light is so grateful to be partnered with the WNY Perinatal Bereavement Network and hope to expand throughout other hospitals in the country.

In closing, this journey has no end date, and I hope to be able to make a difference in the bereaved community because I have been so welcomed and cared for by complete strangers that understand the depths of this loss.

A quote by Desmond Tutu has really resonated with me throughout my grief “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”

Thank you,

Katharine Meyer
Bereaved Mother of Arthur James 
Born to the Angels on February 16, 2018

Katharine has written a book about her experience. Please visit the link below for more information.