Snowdrops: Heaven on Earth

Written by Lorita Kelley

As Spring approaches, Snowdrops are one of the first to bloom signaling the end of winter.

Snowdrops appear as white petals flowers facing downward, toward the ground, from their green stem. These are small plants (only 4”-6” tall) yet they are hardy as they can push through snow to reveal themselves. Today, snowdrops represent acknowledgement or sympathy for miscarriage/stillbirth because although they bloom, sometimes not all of the buds end up opening.

Below is a poem was written over 100 years ago -- expressing profound grief over miscarriage/infant loss. Snowdrops quietly signify sympathy and can be comforting to see each spring remembering unborn babies who lived a short time on Earth.

May you feel strength and renewal this day.

Little Snowdrop

The world may never notice

If a Snowdrop doesn’t bloom,

Or even pause to wonder

If the petals fall too soon.

But every life that ever forms,

Or ever comes to be,

Touches the world in some small way

For all eternity.

The little one we longed for

Was swiftly here and gone.

But the love that was then planted

Is a light that still shines on.

And though our arms are empty,

Our hearts know what to do.

For every beating of our hearts

Says that we love you.

Peter Newell (1862 - 1924)