Lighting a Candle
October 15, 2026
Nikki Snead makes her home in Slapout, Alabama, not far from where she grew up in the Elmore and Millbrook communities. Those roots run deep, and the love of family and connection that shaped her childhood continues to guide her today.
Her journey through motherhood has been marked by both joy and heartbreaking loss.
In December 2024, Nikki and her family experienced their first moment of infant loss—a miscarriage that happened just three days before what was meant to be their eight‑week confirmation ultrasound. That tiny “peanut” left a lasting imprint on their hearts.
Their second loss came on September 29, 2025, when they learned that their sweet daughter Sutton no longer had a heartbeat at 35 and a half weeks. Nikki delivered her the next evening, September 30th, at 9:49 pm. Though Sutton’s time earthside was brief, the 18 hours Nikki and her family were able to spend with her were filled with tenderness, love, and precious memories. Nikki cherishes every moment she was able to hold her daughter and share her with loved ones who wished to meet her.
Spreading awareness, spreading hope.
This journey has made spreading awareness deeply important to Nikki. She wants the world to remember her babies, just as she cares deeply for the memories of others’ children gone too soon. She speaks openly about her angel babies and includes them proudly whenever someone asks how many children she has: two earthside, two in heaven. She participates in several mom groups on Facebook, sharing her story in hopes that others will feel less alone. She dreams of creating a TikTok page dedicated to awareness and connection—though she laughs that she’s no social‑media expert—and her friend even makes her T‑shirts to help spread the message. Sometimes all someone needs is a small sign that says, “I understand.”
Honoring her daughter in ways that feel meaningful is one of Nikki’s driving forces. Just as important is being present for other families walking through the unimaginable. None of them chose to be part of this painful “club,” yet here they are—and Nikki believes it’s vital to stand together, offering support, compassion, and understanding. She wants anyone who participates in her efforts to know that she is always there to listen, cry, or simply sit beside them through the hard moments. Sometimes just knowing someone truly understands can make all the difference.
We invite you to be part of spreading awareness, love, and hope at the River Region Wave of Light to be held October 15, 2026.
Attached are the details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1995635571314631/
Event to take place at Bonners Point Holtville, AL
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Join us as we unite with families and communities around the world for the annual International Wave of Light.
October 15th is globally recognized as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. To honor the precious babies who were gone too soon, we invite you to light a candle exactly at 7pm CST and leave it burning for one hour. Due to differing time zones, this creates a continuous 24-hour wave of light that circumnavigates the globe.
Gather with us for an evening of peace, reflection, and community. You are more than welcome to bring your family as well! Anyone who would like to participate is welcome!
