The Vishaal Foundation - In memory of Little Angels

I was privileged to have 10 years with Milli and the chance to say goodbye. Her last words were ‘I love you’. Nothing was left unsaid. I do not take this privilege lightly. Some are gifted only a few short hours; my younger sister being one of them, having lost her son at only a day old. I cannot know the pain of giving birth, only to have to be parted with your precious flesh and blood, but somehow she and others like my sister continue to make light of the darkness.

 It was November 2011 and I was returning home from Gosh, where Milli was being treated. Bittu was to do the next shift, so I could bond with Marni, who was then, just six weeks old. As I walked towards the front door, and Bittu towards me, I knew something was wrong. My sister had gone into early labour, and I needed to head to the hospital to say goodbye to my day-old nephew. 

I do not know the ‘why’, but I do know that even though Vishaal physically lived a day, his life has and continues to impact thousands. My sister has devoted her life to supporting bereaved parents through the Vishaal Foundation.  She is tireless in her giving and works with Sands to spread awareness of baby loss within the Asian community, where there is still a taboo around the subject of baby loss. She also holds an annual memorial service where parents can remember their babies. I am in awe of my sister and so proud of my little nephew and the good he has inspired.  He lives on in each positive action.

If you would like to support the Vishaal Foundation, attend the Little Angels remembrance service, or hear more about Sands, do contact Madhi on the link below. https://vishaalfoundation.org/