Missing Shabbat Candles
“4 years. 4 pregnancies.
Last month, for the first time ever, I lit 3 candles to bring in the holy Shabbat. 2 candles representing my husband and I, and one for our child. (Customarily, a mother lights an additional Shabbat candle for each child she has.) For me, finally, the pain of the candles that could have been, should have been, slowly started to melt away.
I’m lighting the Shabbat candles this week and every week at sundown with a tear in my eye and a prayer on my lips for God to safeguard us. Sending love and comfort to all the moms who should have had extra candles.”
FYI Some families also light Shabbat Candles for the babies or children that are not with them anymore. A candle can be lit for the child who was miscarried, the child who died too young, or even for the one they never got to take home from the hospital. Do what feels right for you.