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Building casket for infant!

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Posted 10/4/2013 11:55 AM (GMT 0)
Last night I received a call from my manager wanting to know if I would build a casket (I work part time at a funeral home)!! Sadly to say, a couple in Mississippi lost their 26 week old baby. Since in the 8th grade, I've build a lot of furniture and worked in construction (mainly woodwork). You see, since I was DX with "C" last Oct., a church in Mississippi members has been sending me hand made Getwell cards. Just happens, one of the ladies that sends me cards, is the grandmother of this infant. PLEASE pray for their family. Last Oct, I ask God to allow me to be a blessing: God never fails. This afternoon, a co-worker and I will travel to the funeral home with the casket. Thank You for your prayers. Dave
Posted 10/4/2013 12:10 PM (GMT 0)
Dave, I also work part-time in a funeral home and have been involved in several funerals for children and infants. These are some of the saddest, most heart-wrenching events for everyone, even seasoned funeral workers.

What you have done is truly a blessing for the family, and of course I will keep you and the family in my prayers as I work at the funeral of a 93-year-old woman this morning.
Posted 10/4/2013 12:44 PM (GMT 0)
Clocknut,

Thank you very much for your prayers!!

Dave in Bartlett, TN
Posted 10/4/2013 1:19 PM (GMT 0)
A labor-and-deliver nurse told me recently:
"When working in the maternity ward, the "happy" outcomes are among the happiest events in a hospital. And the "sad" outcomes are among the saddest."

-Gedman
Posted 10/4/2013 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
Dave,

My heart is out to this family, and to you for your participation.

Years ago, I managed a plant in eastern SC, that among other products, we manufactured metal caskets, you know, the ones that come in all pretty colours. As long as they were adult models, I never gave it much thought at all, was just another product coming off the line.

However, we would switch the line to make only infant and children caskets, and it was hard to keep a dry eye on that line when they were having a run of them. It was too easy to think whom would be lying in one of those tiny caskets. Most of them were either pearl white or pearl pink, and some blue ones.

It brought the reality, that many babies and children do die every day, and it kind of brought it home.

I am sure you were honored to do your part though, and I really respect that.

David
Posted 10/4/2013 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
Many years ago I buried a 3 day old baby who was born with hypoplastic left heart among other heart defects and could not live. Although my religion did not require a burial I wanted her buried because I did not want the hospital to dispose of her. It was very, very sad at the time but soon after I had a son who is one of the lights of my life and I am very happy with my two children (now adults).
Posted 10/4/2013 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for your comments and concerns. I forgot to mention, the baby was 26 week gestation.

HW is like a breath of fresh air to me!!


Dave in Bartlett, TN
Posted 10/4/2013 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Said a prayer for this family. I can't imagine losing a child.
Posted 10/4/2013 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Even after a long, long life, death is so painful.  Today I watched a 92-year-old man in a wheelchair rub the hands of his deceased wife one last time before we closed her casket.  They had shared 66 years of marriage, and I cannot imagine his pain at their parting.  Everyone who was watching was deeply affected.
Posted 10/5/2013 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Dave, you and the family are in our prayers. Todd
Posted 10/5/2013 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
This brings tears to my eyes. My prayers that the family finds peace.

No matter how bad we might feel, there is always someone in worse condition. Celebrate each and every day and the ones you love.
Posted 10/5/2013 5:46 AM (GMT 0)

grandpaof4 said...
Last night I received a call from my manager wanting to know if I would build a casket (I work part time at a funeral home)!! Sadly to say, a couple in Mississippi lost their 26 week old baby. Since in the 8th grade, I've build a lot of furniture and worked in construction (mainly woodwork). You see, since I was DX with "C" last Oct., a church in Mississippi members has been sending me hand made Getwell cards. Just happens, one of the ladies that sends me cards, is the grandmother of this infant. PLEASE pray for their family. Last Oct, I ask God to allow me to be a blessing: God never fails. This afternoon, a co-worker and I will travel to the funeral home with the casket. Thank You for your prayers. Dave

Hi Dave,

I passed your comments along (didn't use your name, though) to a special prayer site that has many "prayer warriors) around the world -- including Mother Angelica (founder of EWTN) and her group of nuns.

I've asked for prayers for this poor infant. It is nice that you are taking the casket there in person. Should be a very sad, but touching, moment.

Take care,
Chuck
Posted 10/6/2013 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks to everyone for their kind words and prayers. I draw strength from everyone here.

Dave in Bartlett, TN
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