For Ellie's 1st Birthday, Dave's co-worker and his wife purchased a brick at a local arboretum in her memory. The brick lays amongst others at the base of a statue called the Angel of Hope. It's been a long time since I've read the book, but the Angels originated from a book called "The Christmas Box." The statues are a place for parents and families to go and remember their lost children. Today, all the new bricks were dedicated during a short ceremony. Her brick was put in several weeks ago, but it's a good 40 min drive away so we hadn't been until today.
There were many other families there and to my great irritation, several little girls- 9- 18 months, complete with hair bows and dresses. Many of the other mother's were crying and obviously upset. But I only teared up once. It's weird, but I didn't really feel like we belonged there. Yes, my daughter is dead. And yes, that is her name on the stone. But I didn't feel a part of that group today. Denial? Certainly...
Denial or not, it was nice to have Ellie memorialized in such a permanent way. The brick was such a thoughtful and caring gift.
As each child's name was called, their family placed a white carnation at on their brick. Ellie's says, "Little Peanut. Forever Loved."
5 comments:
beautiful, Tiffany!! so glad you were able to take part of this, and that someone was so generous to think of Ellie and give you this gift!
Such a lovely gift for her birthday... must have been so hard to go. Love to you always xoxo
Sorry I haven't left any comments, for some reason google wasn't letting me...
What a WONDERFUL memorial to remember her! Beautiful pictures!!
Nobody wants to be part of a group that they didn't sign up for.
The memorial looks nice. I find it helps to see their name engraved, to keep remembering them by, that they were here once with us and loved.
Take care.
Such a great birthday gift!!! So glad Ellie is always going to be remembered there :)
Sending lots of love my friend
xoxo
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