Tribute: Stillborn Baby

A Tribute To Rose
© E. Hollis
All materials copyrighted

A Rose In Bloom
They planted a rose bush beside the garden gate in memory of their baby girl—Rose.

She was gone before they saw her. She was gone too early. They barely knew she was theirs—barely had processed the news when she was gone—back to the arms of God.

It was a dreadful disappointment for them to lose Rose so quickly. She seemed gone without a trace—hardly having existed at all. She never got to take a step or speak a word. She never giggled or breathed a sweet breath, yet her mother knew she was alive even in those first weeks. Her mother felt the miracle of life beginning. She imagined the tiny heart beating. She had even begun the name choosing.

Rose might have had blue/gray eyes and blond hair like her brother. Maybe her hair would have grown curly and red like her father’s. Maybe she would have grown up to be a concert pianist, a ballet dancer, or an artist. If she had survived she might have become a doctor, a housewife or a journalist. They can only guess. She is gone now like a butterfly flitting through an early dawn’s dream.

A rose bush grows by the garden gate. It pushes tendrils into the fence’s mesh. It climbs, and as it climbs, green buds develop along its branches. They swell green and strong, waiting for just the right day to break open and smile up at the sun and take their first sips of summer rain.

One day soon, a bud will swell and break and a curl of pink silk will unfurl itself to show its yellow belly button. Bees will buzz by and hummingbirds come to test the flower’s nectar. God, in his goodness, will heal two saddened hearts and life will keep marching purposely and beautifully on.

A rose bush blooms by the garden gate. It represents hopes and dreams, the helplessness of man, the bounty of God. It speaks love, joy, sorrow, the pain, and the utter sweetness of life. I, for one, must cheer it on. Grow, little Rose bush. Grow!

About The Author:
Elece Hollis is a freelance writer. She may be reached at Family Net. She is also the grandmother of Rose and colleague to the editor of Good Mourning Lord.

* This essay was written for Rose's parents and shared with the readers of Good Mourning Lord. If you'd like to share this article with someone, you may print one copy for personal use only or give that person a link to this website. Please do not publish it elsewhere. Thank you.