The Sunflower Promise -help bring hope to grieving mothers

MY SUNFLOWER STORY

My daughter, Erin Grace, was a very special little girl. Born with cerebral palsy, Erin faced a lot of challenges as she was fully involved both physically and medically, however, she never let those challenges impact her bright spirit. Erin was known for her beautiful smile and contagious laugh.

Erin attended CHC Learning Center in Buffalo, NY. Each year for Mother’s Day, she would bring me home a sunflower seedling. She brought me her annual Mother’s Day sunflower seedling on May 10, 2015. On May 17, 2015, Erin passed away and earned her angel wings.

I kept Erin’s last sunflower seedling as I was apprehensive to plant it. I feared that it, too, would die as all the other seedlings did in the past. However, I knew this plant was different than the rest. I went into my kitchen drawer, pulled out a spoon, and went outside to plant it. To my surprise, this tiny seedling grew into the most beautiful sunflower! From there, The Sunflower Promise was born. I chose to keep the seeds from Erin’s original flowers, replant them year after year, and gift these sunflowers for others to enjoy. Mother’s Day is a difficult holiday for those who have lost their children. Through the hand-delivery of sunflowers, I am committed to turn loss into hope for these grieving mothers. I hope that the recipients of these beautiful sunflowers will receive joy, love and positivity similar to that of which Erin brought, not only to me, but to the rest of the world as well.

It started with a promise. It continues to build a legacy