Hope for Grieving Parents

Recently, a family suffered the loss of their baby just before his birth. Another family endured the tragedy SIDS when their daughter was only 72 days old. We are surrounded by the loss of children in families with which we are very familiar and in families with which our only connection is a story in the newspaper. These sad and unfortunate situations often lead one to wonder how a loving Heavenly Father can allow such tragedies to occur. And, more importantly, what the status is of each of these children as they leave mortality?

Firstly, our kind and loving Father in Heaven watches over each of us at all times. He knows us personally and more than anything, he wants us to make the choices that will lead us back to His presence. He also allows the natural progression of things and rarely intercedes to change that progression. He has promised us that if we are keeping the commandments we will not be taken before our time. If it is not our appointed time to die, then we will continue in our mortal probation. Many valiant spirits need only brief entrance into mortality to gain a physical body. Once that mission is complete, they are free to go back to the presence of the Father and the Son.

Secondly, babies who only live for a few moments or children who only live a few years, will straightaway go to our Father. In addition, we have been taught in Moroni 8:5-26, that little children have no need of baptism. The Lord has declared that children under the age of 8 are not held accountable for their choices because, "Wherefore they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me." (Doctrine and Covenants 29:47) "And their children shall be baptized for a remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of hands." (Doctrine and Covenants 68:27) Although children are not accountable until the age of eight, that does not mean we do not teach our children to be responsible for their choices. On the contrary, from birth to eight is the best opportunity we have as parents to teach our children the gospel. It is during this time that they are the most receptive to the truth.

Perhaps the greatest tragedy in these situations is the heartbreak and disappointment that the family feels. It is heart wrenching to realize that the child will not ever sleep in the newly painted nursery, play catch with Dad, learn to play the piano, go to the prom, or marry and have his or her own family. At the time of the loss it is very difficult to see the eternal picture. However, Heavenly Father has instituted a plan in which we may all be joined together as a family for all of eternity. He understands the loss and he mourns with each and every family that loses a loved one.

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