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The Emporia community gathered Wednesday evening for a heartfelt ceremony at C of E Park, turning grief into light and connection.
Families lit floating candles that drifted gently across the pond, each one carrying the name or memory of a baby gone too soon.
The event was organized by Newman Regional Health as part of the annual Wave of Light ceremony, marking Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day on October 15.
This worldwide observance unites families who have experienced loss during pregnancy, childbirth, or infancy, allowing them to honor their children while finding solace in community support.
The Meaning Behind the Wave of Light
Every year on October 15, people across the world light candles at 7 p.m. local time, creating a global “wave of light” that moves across time zones. It symbolizes remembrance, unity, and hope for families who have faced pregnancy or infant loss.
The ceremony in Emporia holds deep emotional significance. For many parents, the pain of losing a child is one that is often carried silently.
The Wave of Light serves as a compassionate space to express grief, share stories, and remind each other that they are not alone.
Emporia’s Fifth Annual Ceremony: Key Moments
This year marked the fifth annual Wave of Light in Emporia, drawing families from across the region. Organizers and attendees described it as a night of reflection, healing, and hope.
| Time | Event Details |
|---|---|
| 6:45 p.m. | Welcome and remembrance video featuring names of lost children |
| 7:00 p.m. | Candle lighting ceremony begins |
| 7:10 p.m. | Families release candles into the pond |
| Post-Ceremony | Reflection, sharing messages, and silent remembrance |
Before the ceremony began, a video tribute played, displaying names and short messages from local families who have endured the loss of a baby. The atmosphere was quiet, reflective, and deeply personal.
Following the video, Ginny and Chuck Samples spoke about their own experience with miscarriage and child loss, sharing words of comfort and community.
They reminded attendees that while grief never disappears, it can be lightened by support from those who understand.
Attendees were then invited to write messages or names on floating candles, which they lit and gently set afloat on the pond. The reflection of hundreds of tiny lights on the water created a stunning and symbolic image of love that endures beyond loss.
The Power of Connection and Healing
For many families, the Wave of Light ceremony represents both remembrance and renewal. Julie Glass, one of the event organizers, explained that the goal is to help parents and loved ones “break the silence” around loss and find comfort in shared experience.
Participants described the night as hopeful and healing, despite the sadness that inspired it. The ceremony not only honored babies who have passed but also strengthened bonds among families, healthcare providers, and the broader Emporia community.
The Wave of Light in Emporia serves as a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest moments, light can bring healing.
Through candlelight, shared stories, and community strength, families honored the brief but meaningful lives of their babies.
The glowing pond at C of E Park became a symbol of hope, unity, and enduring love—proof that while some lives are short, their light continues to shine brightly in the hearts of those who remember them.