Get To Know Me: Honoring Bereaved Parents, "Grandmother Lydia"

From the ashes of our ancestors' losses, we too rise, we too rebuild. They are a beacon of light in the midst of our own darkness. ~ Marcy Baez Lopez

Get To Know Me: Honoring Bereaved Parents

As we come together to honor and support all parents who have endured child loss during this month of National Bereaved Parents Awareness, may we also reflect on the ancestors who have walked this same journey, paving the way for the rest of us and future generations. Today for "Get To Know Me," and in tribute to this important awareness, I'd like to share about my maternal grandmother, Lydia, and her heartbreaking experience with loss.

Lydia's Enduring Spirit: A Story of Loss and Resilience

Amidst one of the polio outbreaks in New York City, my grandmother, Lydia, experienced the heart-wrenching loss of her beloved son, Luis Angel, at the tender age of five. On that fateful Tuesday, August 23, 1955, her world was shaken. Luis Angel, the middle child, tragically succumbed to polio, leaving a permanent mark on our family's history. His passing occurred alongside the fight against the widespread impact of the disease, with his younger brother, Sammy, miraculously surviving. (Side Note: This same year, 1955, the Salk polio vaccine was introduced, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the disease.)

Even after suffering through the deepest, darkest pain of child loss, my grandmother found the remarkable strength and will to go on. Despite immense grief, she gave birth to three more children: two of my aunts and my own mother. It is a profound testament to her inner strength that she chose life even in the face of immense sorrow. Reflecting on her journey, I am reminded of the profound impact that one person's strength and determination can have on future generations. Had my grandmother allowed grief to consume her and prevent her from living again, perhaps I myself would not be here today, sharing this story.

An Unwelcome Bond: The Echo of Loss Across Generations

Tragically, my own journey intersects with my grandmother's through an unwelcome bond of tragedy. The cycle of loss struck our family once again when I experienced the devastating loss of my firstborn, Joshua, at the age of 23 in a head-on car collision. Joshua was my grandmother's first great-grandchild, a connection that deepens the bitterness of our shared experience.

Christmas 1999, East Orange, New Jersey. A precious memory with my grandmother, Lydia Horacio (1925-2005), and my son, Joshua Baez (1998-2022)

Following in the footsteps of my grandmother, Lydia, I have embraced the strength and determination to forge ahead despite the weight of grief. Perhaps woven into the very fibers of my DNA, the capacity to endure tragedy and loss fuels my spirit, empowering me to persist and persevere in the race of life.

In addition to surviving the loss of her beloved son and the pain that accompanied it, my grandmother also experienced the heartbreak of several miscarriages. These additional trials only deepened her well of strength and courage, as she faced unimaginable sorrow with unwavering determination. She never gave up.

Tapestry of Remembrance, Resilience, and Love

Together, her journey and mine intertwine, fueling the fire within me to carry on and honor her legacy. I am reminded that we are not defined by the tragedies we encounter, but rather by the resilience with which we navigate them.

May we all find solace in the strength of our ancestors and draw inspiration from their unwavering spirit. Their stories and legacies carry forward, inspiring us to continue running this race with courage, knowing that within us lies the unyielding power to overcome even the greatest challenges. ~ Marcy Baez Lopez

Who are the women in your family history who have emerged as a beacon of strength and resilience?

I encourage each and every one of you to share your own personal ancestral stories of child loss, or of any profound loss and perseverance. Together, let us weave a tapestry of remembrance, resilience, and love, honoring those who have walked before us and those who continue to inspire us.