Page 4
Maria writes:
The most positive thing we are doing in memory of Christopher is that when he died at Children's Hospital here, we received no support whatsoever from the hospital & we decided to change that. We have started a bereavement support group thru their Cardiology Dept. We call families of children who have died there and talk with them and listen to them, then we created a booklet that lists books to read, Internet sites that can help, ways of remembering your child, other support groups that are out there, comforting poems & a section where you can add your child's picture and any writings you like. I would be happy to send you a copy of the booklet, if you wish to see it. Then we follow up on each child's birthday with a card to show that we remembered the child.
Other things we have done include -- sponsoring the Bike Across America this past summer in memory of Christopher, with donations going to the American Heart Association; donating books to local schools and libraries in Christopher's name; adopting a beaver at the local zoo (Christopher's favorite animal); donating new Legos to the Make-a-Wish Foundation for a raffle at their Christmas Party; donating new toys to our local school's Santa Shoppe for purchase by children for their Christmas gifts; adopting a section of our highway in Christopher's name as part of the litter control program -- we are to go there four times a year to pick up litter and clean up. Let me know if you would like to see a copy of our booklet and I will be happy to mail one to you.
Thank you so much for adding Christopher here!
Love & hugs,
Maria
Christopher's mommy forever
Maria's Tribute to Christopher
Barbara writes:
The way that I have kept my son's name alive, is by allowing Local Newspapers and Television Stations interview me on the importance of Mandatory Pool Fencing. By doing this I have kept Emmanuel's name alive and I also feel that the televisions interviews and relating how his accident happened has prevented drownings in the State of Florida. Although there are still much too many. Besides the Local Newspaper , USA TODAY has also printed his story. I work in a hospital and in Emmanuel's name I talk to people that are going through a loss. And I also make people aware of the importance of Organ Donation. He was an organ donor. And this gives me HONOR.
Barbara - Forever and ever Emmanuel Breto's mommy
Anita writes:
I would like to share what I have done since Eric's passing at 7:20 a.m. on December 29, 1997. When I read or hear about a child being in an accident and passing on, I write the mother a letter telling her the things that helped me the most when Eric went before me. I include poems and excerpts from books. I always sign the letters "Eric's Mom" because I feel I am now working through Eric to help others and it is not necessary for my identity to be known. I have heard feedback from the parents through mutual acquaintances and I discover the letter helped them when they needed it the most. This also helps me when I can help others.
I also established a scholarship fund in Eric's memory at the local high school. The qualifications are not to be the smartest, it is simply for the student to want to get a higher education and show a geniune desire to reach their dreams. I go to the school to present the scholarship and I talk with the students about using common sense when they get in the car and to continue to strive to do their best. Eric sustained massive head injuries and he was not wearing a seat belt. I tell them not to get the false sense of security if their car has air bags because Eric's car had air bags; but, it never hit in the front and they were not deployed. They seem to listen when I talk and if I can reach just one person each time I speak, I feel it is worth the emotional stress I experience each time I stand in front of the group.
Helping others and being there to listen to Eric's friends when they need to talk are just a couple of the ways I try to make sense out of this nightmare. I was watching TV one day and the pastor said a parent should not say they lost their child because the child knows where he is and they know where we are, and we will see them again. I liked that! I don't feel as if I "lost" Eric because I know where he is and his spirit is with me daily helping me cope. I can't see him or touch him; but, I KNOW he's there.
Anita Elam - Mom to Eric Hickle
Other Suggestions Buy shoes or clothes for a family in need. Bake a cake for a neighbor or teacher.
Order a subscription to Angels Magazine for a family member or friend. Ask that the Kindness card be enclosed in the first issue. It will reinforce that your child is never forgotten. There is a website for "Angels On Earth". You can order online, phone or write to them from this website.
Help an elderly or disabled person with yard work or grocery shopping.
Visit a nursing home and bring cupcakes. Sit and visit with a few of the residents. If you are talented in crafts, make something special for the residents.
Donate to your favorite nonprofit group on your child's birthday or death day. Ask family members and friends to do the same.
Volunteer your time at a local homeless shelter or a crisis nursery.
Buy a new coffee mug, calendar or something small for a fellow employee.
Donate some grief books to the library or a local support group.
Suggestions Act of Kindness Cards
Site by: Joanne Cacciatore
|
Copyright © 1996-2004 Marvel Creations. All Rights Reserved. All content of this website are © Marvel Creations and may not be reproduced. This web site was created and designed by Marvel Creations 1996-2004 which began May 29, 1996. These graphics are for the "exclusive" use of My Parents Are Survivors. Please do not take! Thank you! 
|