Wings of Hope Living Forward Inc. that supports grieving parents healing together, has been launched. The website will provide a
resource center for grieving parents to find grief retreats, grief groups,
books on grief, crafts, articles on grief and healing, additional non-profits
run by grieving parents, causes, memorial gifts and much more.
Wings of Hope is a non-profit organization and
donations are now being accepted to assist with handouts and retreats. Any
parent who has lost a child and created something in their memory are welcome
to become a part of this organization. It supports grieving parents who have
authored books, have a cause or make crafts for others.
To accomplish their goals as an organization Wings
of Hope Living Forward Inc. provides retreats for grieving
parents and grieving grandparents; one day workshops for grieving
moms, dads, grandparents and siblings to meet and pay tribute to their loved
one; summer picnics for grieving parents and their families;
and support for parents who create foundations, write books and lobby for rights
in memory of their child.
After a recent grief retreat, some grieving parents
commented:
Melanie
Marshall - Be ready to laugh, to cry, to dance
or to quietly meditate. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. We
came from all walks of life but, shared the common bond of missing our precious
children. I felt welcome. I felt loved. I felt the presence of our children.
You will walk away with new friends who understand & accept you as you are.
You'll shake some of those bad feelings that have slipped into your very being
such as fear & guilt. It's like a dose of "spring tonic" !! Come
laugh with us & play with us & cry with us - you'll leave with a new
perspective on life as we know it now.
Renee Hogan Blythe - I had a
wonderful time at the Smoky Mountain Retreat. I met the most incredible people
and really enjoyed every minute of it. We spent time talking, laughing, eating,
having a few drinks, sharing about our children and getting real hugs. We also
had free time to do whatever we wanted to go do. This is a way to make new
friends when you have lost your old friends like I did. We have 17 people who
came to the last retreat coming to this one, plus six or more others driving in
for a couple of days. I hope the new people joining us will feel comfortable
knowing we are all grieving parents healing together.
Roberta Keene - I had a lot of
apprehension about going. I didn't know most of the women, I had been very sick
for a long time prior to the retreat. I knew I lived close enough that I could leave at any time I felt uncomfortable. Upon arriving at the retreat I felt
like I was meeting old friends! I was very comfortable with everyone, it was so
good to meet these people who before were voiceless pictures, I laughed, cried,
found out others were really having the exact problems and feelings as I do and
it's okay!! I left there with lifetime friends! The bonds that were formed will
help me on my journey. I can't wait for Va Beach!!
Lynne
Ellen Sevey-Patterson- The last retreat was the best thing that has happened to me
sense Matthew died. I am finally moving forward. I have been so stuck in my
grief. For the 1st time I realized I wasn't alone or being a drama queen or
just plain crazy and if I was I was in great company I felt I could be ME I
could cry scream and have fun quilt free and it has carried over in my life. I
am Truly Blessed with all the amazing women and a couple men that I now call my
sisters and brothers.
Their gift
shop has people who make one of a kind jewelry, memory quilts, personalized
engraved wooden plaques, clocks, t-shirts, magnets, commissioned portraits,
mouse pads and many more items.
Many parents
turn to causes after their child dies. Whether it is cancer recovery programs, gun
laws, organ transplant or being a part of parents of murdered children, these
parents support their causes and get others to help by donating or
volunteering. The group will link your cause to their website.
