Heartbreak Flowerpots
These beautiful flower pots have quite a story. Heartbreak flowerpots are a bereavement intervention created with families during our work together. The pots are created in a three step process. Initially, in the prenatal period, a small terra cotta pot is decorated in honor of the expected addition to the family. Each family member creates one flower pot. During the
life of the baby, these flowerpots become containers for memories. Memories of the life of
the baby within the family. After the baby has passed away, the pots become a
symbol of the heartbreak experienced when a child dies. Each pot is carefully
broken; similar to the breaking of the heart that occurs when a baby dies. Each
broken piece is then taken in hand and a descriptive word of the family
member's pain is written on the inside surface. These broken pieces are
glued onto the surface of a larger pot. The larger pot symbolizes the community
of grief; a community that comes together to help families literally put the
broken pieces of their life back together. Additionally, each family member and
each EMBRACE team member takes turns gluing the broken pieces to the larger
pots. In this way, we symbolically represent that it takes a community to help
heal from the death of a child. To create the finished pot, EMBRACE volunteer
and talented artist, Roz Hurley, finishes each flowerpot with mosaic tiles and
grout to produce a work of beauty which the family will cherish forever. In the
final step of this project, the pots are planted with Forget Me Not flowers.
Each child is a one of kind unique and precious individual; a "never to be forgotten" member of the family. We are grateful for each family we serve. Becoming a part of their stories enriches our lives and gives purpose to the loss of our own children.
With Gratitude,
Berdette and Dana
These beautiful flower pots have quite a story. Heartbreak flowerpots are a bereavement intervention created with families during our work together. The pots are created in a three step process. Initially, in the prenatal period, a small terra cotta pot is decorated in honor of the expected addition to the family. Each family member creates one flower pot. During the
life of the baby, these flowerpots become containers for memories. Memories of the life of
the baby within the family. After the baby has passed away, the pots become a
symbol of the heartbreak experienced when a child dies. Each pot is carefully
broken; similar to the breaking of the heart that occurs when a baby dies. Each
broken piece is then taken in hand and a descriptive word of the family
member's pain is written on the inside surface. These broken pieces are
glued onto the surface of a larger pot. The larger pot symbolizes the community
of grief; a community that comes together to help families literally put the
broken pieces of their life back together. Additionally, each family member and
each EMBRACE team member takes turns gluing the broken pieces to the larger
pots. In this way, we symbolically represent that it takes a community to help
heal from the death of a child. To create the finished pot, EMBRACE volunteer
and talented artist, Roz Hurley, finishes each flowerpot with mosaic tiles and
grout to produce a work of beauty which the family will cherish forever. In the
final step of this project, the pots are planted with Forget Me Not flowers.
Each child is a one of kind unique and precious individual; a "never to be forgotten" member of the family. We are grateful for each family we serve. Becoming a part of their stories enriches our lives and gives purpose to the loss of our own children.
With Gratitude,
Berdette and Dana
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A young mother's journey
I had a baby with special needs. She had Hydraencepahly and hydrocephalus. At just 15 years old, I knew nothing. My doctor recommended I seek help because of my situation and the many questions which he could not answer. I called them not knowing what to expect. As soon as 4 days later I met with two beautiful women by the names of Berdette and Dana. They shared all the information I needed to know and each told me there stories. I was touched to know how many babies are like my little Rosemary. I went into labor and there they were to guide me and meet little Rosemary. Every month we would meet and design a plan of care to help Rosemary with her seizures and future problems. They never gave up on her or me because they as well suffered the pain and hurt I went through each day wondering when Rosemary's time was coming. The day came on September, 18, 2011 Rosemary's death was at Ryan house where Rosemary was at days when she was born and two days before she died. Dana and Berdette were there for me again. They helped us out with donations and everything we needed to make it through our tragedy of losing Rosemary. I don’t know how to repay them for everything they have done for me and my family. The Perinatal Palliative program is one of the best programs ever for all those who have ever felt the pain of losing a child. To this day I feel I am not alone. There are still good people in this world. I am very touched to help others to repay everyone who gave us help in memory of my Rosemary. Thank you Dana and Berdette. I stay strong and positive.
Footnote : Rosemary's mother graduated high school and is in her first year of junior college.
Footnote : Rosemary's mother graduated high school and is in her first year of junior college.
