Memorial for Baby Zenya Raine Saturday, February 15, 2025 Presider: Denise Hackert-Stoner

 

Welcome and Opening Prayer:

We gather today with family and friends to remember and honor the life of Zenya Raine who, though with us for only a fleeting moment, has left a lasting memory in our hearts. Let us surround Jessie and Arthur with our love, and comfort them as we mourn together and celebrate the precious gift of Zenya Raine’s life.

Opening Song:

Last Lullaby, by Itty Bitty Beats

https://youtu.be/hS9CEPdu014?feature=shared

First Reading:  Adapted from “Born Still” by Tricia Richards, read by Debbie Trees

If we could breathe our own life’s breath

Bequeath you minutes, days and years; we would.

But we are not the author or deliverer of life

We cannot solve the mystery of spirit and of soul

Or remove the shroud of death that holds you still

Sweet child whose life will only ever live within our dreams

We speak your name upon the wind and it is carried far away

But you remain imprinted on our hearts Forever!

Second Reading:  Adapted from Psalm 34 (Nan Merrill, Psalms for Praying), read by Kathie Ryan

Keep your heart open and free, take time to dwell in the Silence,
Become a peaceful presence in the world.
For Love is kind and merciful.
How often the Beloved weeps with compassion over those who are crushed in spirit,
Ever ready to comfort us in our sorrows,
to strengthen us on our soul’s journey to wholeness.
The Beloved renews the life of all who surrender to Love.

 

Third Reading: Adapted from “Still Sleeping” by Leonard Clark, read by Dennis McDonald

You came; you did not cry.

You did not breathe.

They will say you did not live, but you lived for us all of the time

In the dark chamber of my womb.

And when we think of you now, we know that for us you are “born still”.

We shall carry you with us forever.

Our child, you were always ours, you are ours now.

Death and life are the same mysteries.

Reflection: 

Jessie and Arthur, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends:

Please accept the deep condolences of the Upper Room community.  We have been praying for you and Zenya Raine and will continue to pray for all of you.

When death comes so unexpectedly it takes us off the life-path we had so confidently walked.  It shakes our faith.  It blinds us to the future.  It puts us on a path that we didn’t choose.  And that is where you are right now.  So anything you may be feeling, be it grief, sadness, anger, loss; all of the feelings you are feeling are ok.  You have every right to feel them. 

I will not speak of reasons why.  I don’t know the reason any more than you do. 

But I do know one thing.  I know that for over 40 weeks, Zenya Raine lived.  I know that during that time Zenya Raine was dearly loved.  I know that she played with her father, as Arthur gently poked Jessie’s pregnant belly and Zenya Raine poked back.  I know that Zenya Raine’s parents and grandparents thought of her as a miracle.  And I believe that indeed, this dear baby was a miracle; a miracle who lived, was loved, and will continue to be loved. 

We are all made of elements that were created in the explosions of ancient stars.  Those elements come together as our bodies develop before birth.  After we die, those elements return to the earth.  And eventually, they may be gathered up again in the formation of new stars.  So, like all of us, Zenya Raine was made of stars.  A child of the stars, she will return to the stars, with the love of her entire family surrounding her. 

May that love, the love which comes from the Holy One who is Love, bring you comfort during this time of sorrow.  And may love lead you to a new path, a path where tears mingle with the sweet joy that is even now, Zenya Raine.

Blessing for Jessie and Arthur:

I ask the whole community gathered here today to raise your hands as we bless Jessie and Arthur. 

As a community united in love, we bless you, Jessie and Arthur.  May you find peace and comfort in the love of family, friends, and one another.  May you rest in the knowledge that Zenya Raine lived, that she was your child, and that you gave her all the love you had.  May you be blessed.  We ask this in the many names of God.  Amen.

Closing Song:

Our closing song is called “Holy Angels.”  Jessie, Arthur, family and friends, you are the Holy Angels who hold Zenya Raine.  You hold her in the arms of love and memory.  May she live on in each of you.

Holy Angels, by Sara Thomsen

https://youtu.be/2ul16FtuyYw