Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Aaron's Sampler 1985


With inspiration today, just wanted to share a sampler for my firstborn son who would have been 25 years old on August 16th. When I see yellow butterflies, I always, always think of him. He was buried in yellow with a blanket that said in the corner, Thank Heaven for Little Boys, in baby blue.

If you or someone you know has been through the death of a child, take a look at The Compassionate Friends or better yet, look for your local chapter. There are chapters all over the world, as this is an international support group for bereaved parents. I miss participating on the board of the group in Augusta, Georgia for 5 years before I moved here in 2001. As a board member, I got to help plan community activities, memorials, serve on panels to answer questions at the Medical College of Georgia medical students, and a phone resource for newly bereaved parents.

The butterfly symbol has been the group's logo. That's one of the reasons I love having the butterfly bushes right outside my window because I know his little spirit is here.

I have added this to the growing list of patterns to stitch. You certainly are welcome to substitute the name and date  if you would like to personalize it.

The colors are for whatever you choose but the DMC I selected are numbers:

728
727
645
310
519
368
367
603
602

Hope you enjoy your evening!

14 comments:

  1. What a precious way to remember your son. This is the first time you've shrared this with us since I've been reading. I don't know the story but I want you to know how sorry I am.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am sure there's no greater
    loss than that of a child.
    The sampler is precious as
    I'm sure your little son was.
    Just think, Jennifer, one day
    you will see him again in
    heaven...and though you are
    separated now, the Lord is
    taking care of both of you.
    God bless you,
    Sandy

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very beautiful! Your designing is getting better each time...

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a beautiful memorial to your son.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Parsley, I think I did each year but I don't think right now I can share much more on it.
    NatalyK, thanks. I was hoping it helped someone else to know this group and also now the website is available also which helps some parents.

    Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  6. A very sweet memorial. The butterfly makes a wonderful symbol.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is a great memorial.

    I am part of a group called angel pillows. They make pillows that have angels on them... they can be applique, just angel material, cross stitched, embroidered..etc. Then the pillows are given to someone that has lost someone.(parent, child or whomever) Check them out ... http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/x-stitch/angelpillowsproject.html they are also on multiply.com .... http://angelpillowsproject.multiply.com/

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a beautiful tribute to your sweet son! I'm truly sorry and I do empathize, as we also lost our sweet Michael in 1987 at one week old. My DH and I have often wondered and smiled at what mischief my son and his younger brother would have gotten into! I do know I can say firsthand that Christ was with me every step of the way and I felt His love in a deeper way than ever before. That and time is what healed us both. Sounds like an awesome group to help grieving parents and family.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am sure there is nothing heavier than the loss of a child. My heart is with you. My parents lost two boys during infantcy and I watched how hard it was on them.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I only say one thing to you: I love it!!! Thanks Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a beautiful tribute to your son. Simply beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I know in my heart of hearts that to lose a child is the worst possible thing that can happen to a parent and you have my sympathy no matter how long ago it was. This design is just beautiful and I know exactly who I am going to stitch it for. My friend's son and daughter-in-law lost their 15 month old son just over a year ago for absolutely no reason that was ever found.

    Thank you so much for this wonderful little sampler.
    Love
    Patti xxx

    ReplyDelete

Comments are welcome at the homestead at any time! I appreciate your time out of your day to stop and say hello!!
I hope you find some useful information and gentle inspiration for your day.
Jennifer