Ethan's 10 Memorial Garden
Donation protected
It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years since we met our first son, Ethan, who lived just 12 days. Most of our photos are in books (pre-digital age) but you can see a snapshot of his life in an amazing scrapbook that we were given . In memory and honor of his 10th birthday, we are excited to share that we're working on a special project with the Ronald McDonald House in Columbus, OH. We can not imagine our experience without them.
Long, unexpected, and bittersweet days, but we will always be grateful for the home away from home that they provided. Because of the generosity of so many, when we got the call that his condition was deteriorating -- at 6 a.m.(ish) -- we didn't have to worry about rushing on the interstate, stressed & anxious that something would happen before we could get there. . .because of them, I was able to have some of our most precious moments together in the quiet and calm of what would be his last night on Earth. We went to visit him late at night, and I held him close in kangaroo care for the first time. It was so special and we did not know it would be his last night with us at the time. It would not have been possible without the RMH. We felt like seeing him in that moment, and we were able to - without worrying about logistics of travel, or whether it was too late to drive to the hospital (even from a hotel in the city). And, anyone who has been through a c-section will know how appreciative I was to have a real bed in those days (rather than the hospital cot/couch/chairs).
In their newly expanded space, we are helping them to add a living gift & tribute: gardens -- to grow flowers, herbs and vegetables, engage families, volunteers, community and bring another small piece of "home" to the families staying there.
As part of the project, we are raising funds to purchase this very special hand-made butterfly bench that will also include a memorial plaque. Some of you may remember that butterflies have become very symbolic to us; and the day before Ethan passed away, in a rare moment away -- we went to see the butterflies at the conservatory nearby. The cloth over E's ashes at his funeral (that still sits atop of it) is butterflies. It was amazing when the RMH mentioned that they had this piece -- we instantly knew that it had to be part of Ethan's garden. Even bigger coincidence - it is made by someone within an hour of where Ethan's uncle lives (!).
Truly grateful, and thankful that we can give back in this special year. We are also grateful to all who shared in Ethan's life and invite you to help us give this living tribute & gift to other families there (You can contribute directly to the RMH and designate to this project -- message us to find out how!).
THANK YOU for your support and help in making this a reality!
Long, unexpected, and bittersweet days, but we will always be grateful for the home away from home that they provided. Because of the generosity of so many, when we got the call that his condition was deteriorating -- at 6 a.m.(ish) -- we didn't have to worry about rushing on the interstate, stressed & anxious that something would happen before we could get there. . .because of them, I was able to have some of our most precious moments together in the quiet and calm of what would be his last night on Earth. We went to visit him late at night, and I held him close in kangaroo care for the first time. It was so special and we did not know it would be his last night with us at the time. It would not have been possible without the RMH. We felt like seeing him in that moment, and we were able to - without worrying about logistics of travel, or whether it was too late to drive to the hospital (even from a hotel in the city). And, anyone who has been through a c-section will know how appreciative I was to have a real bed in those days (rather than the hospital cot/couch/chairs).
In their newly expanded space, we are helping them to add a living gift & tribute: gardens -- to grow flowers, herbs and vegetables, engage families, volunteers, community and bring another small piece of "home" to the families staying there.
As part of the project, we are raising funds to purchase this very special hand-made butterfly bench that will also include a memorial plaque. Some of you may remember that butterflies have become very symbolic to us; and the day before Ethan passed away, in a rare moment away -- we went to see the butterflies at the conservatory nearby. The cloth over E's ashes at his funeral (that still sits atop of it) is butterflies. It was amazing when the RMH mentioned that they had this piece -- we instantly knew that it had to be part of Ethan's garden. Even bigger coincidence - it is made by someone within an hour of where Ethan's uncle lives (!).
Truly grateful, and thankful that we can give back in this special year. We are also grateful to all who shared in Ethan's life and invite you to help us give this living tribute & gift to other families there (You can contribute directly to the RMH and designate to this project -- message us to find out how!).THANK YOU for your support and help in making this a reality!
Organizer
Maleah Thorpe Gustafson
Organizer
Holden, MA