M.I.S.S. National 1st Annual Children's Memorial Day Ceremony
Candlelight in memory of lost children

By John Stanley
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 13, 1999

One by one, with voices quavering with emotion, they named the children they had lost. Then they touched their candles to the small flame at the head of their assembly until the darkness was awash in the glow of hundreds of golden lights.

"The light signifies the love in our heart," said Joanne Cacciatore, whose daughter Cheyenne died just before birth six years ago. "We are here to remember the children who have lived, and the children who have died."

Nearly 200 people gathered in the chilly night air at Wesley Bolin Plaza in downtown Phoenix on Sunday to celebrate the first official National Children's Memorial Day.

The event was a chance for all those who have lost a child to gather to remember their children and comfort one another. And to grieve, as well. It was sponsored by Compassionate Friends, an international organization that offers friendship and understanding to families who have lost a child of any age, from any cause, and Mothers In Sympathy and Support.

Other groups participating were Mothers Against Gangs, MADD, Parents of Murdered Children and the Arizona SIDS Alliance.

Joanne Cacciatore, founder of MISS, introduced speakers from each group who spoke, often movingly, of their losses.

Sophia Lopez-Espindola founded Mothers Against Gangs in 1992 after her 16-year-old son, Edward, was killed by a gang member. Her niece, Elsa Torres, 7, and granddaughter, Ashlee Lopez, 6, sang You Are Not Alone to recorded music. Their simple voices and sincere emotion brought smiles and tears to those listening.

"The important thing for us to remember," Cacciatore said, "is that love doesn't end with death."

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