Parishioners from Ss. Mary and Joseph Parish in Carlinville call attention to October, Respect Life Month, by marching in the Rotary Club Halloween Parade Oct. 25.

CARLINVILLE - During Respect Life Month a group of parishioners from Ss. Mary and Joseph Parish in Carlinville donned "Celebrate Life" T-shirts and made posters to carry in the Rotary Club Halloween Parade, Oct. 25. Respect Life supporters from other communities joined the SSMJ group to walk or ride on its "Celebrate Life" float in the night-time parade.

"We had some really nice reactions from the crowd along the parade route," said Lori Egelhoff, DRE assistant at SSMJ, who together with volunteers Andrea Long and Lori Killam organized the SSMJ parade entry. Participants ranged in age from the very young to people in their 60s and 70s.

"The cold prevented some of our oldest generation and some of the war veterans from participating," Egelhoff said.

The marchers passed out candy, as well as pencils and balloons printed with messages such as "Life is Precious," "Children are a Gift from God," and "Celebrate Life."

Amy Kuehl came from Highland with her daughter, Emma, who is in a wheelchair, to be with the "Celebrate Life" group in the parade. Adoption arrangements had been set for Amy and her husband, Bill, to adopt the unborn child when Emma suffered a stroke while still in her mother's womb. The stroke caused serious brain damage and triggered an early birth. The Kuehls were given the option to back away from the adoption.

"Their response was ‘Absolutely not. She will need us now more than ever.' Amy and Bill are examples of truly unconditional love," said Egelhoff.

"Emma has a delightful giggle and you can see that she truly feels loved by her parents. I wish more people would not be afraid to send the message of how valuable all life is. I cannot think of a life I have seen that does not have value.  I think God would agree."