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Message from Rosemary Armesto
Email from 1998
Hello Everyone,
Last year I joined NSDP and in May joined the local chapter
"Starlite Painters" in Belle Mead, New Jersey. Most
of you who are members know that local chapters participate
in charitable events or sponsor a program. The spirit being
contributing something to the community.
Our chapter paints memory boxes for a support group of families
who have lost a child right after birth. Stillborns and those
who die within days of their birth. The hospital would fill
a paper bag with the little cap, i.d. bracelet, footprints,
first photo if one was taken, etc. One of the nurses is friends
with a chapter member and mentioned how bad she felt for these
parents instead of taking home a new baby are handed a paper
bag with a few mementos. Our chapter now paints memory boxes
and twice a year the older members of the support group bring
in moms who have recently lost a child. Until tonight I really
didn't know how it worked, I was just asked to paint one.
Trying to figure out something to paint for something like this
was difficult. Finally, I bought a book that had some teddy
bears in it; I think it was a Jean Meyer's book. The pattern
was a blue background with clouds, and a little bear lying on
his stomach asleep, and a smiling sun looking at him. At the
top was written "Angel in Slumberland".
When I finished it last month I left it with our chapter coordinator
of this program and thought that was that. Tonight we had a
chapter meeting and all the memory boxes where lined up on a
table. You would not believe the beautiful painted memory boxes.
Some of these gals must have worked weeks on these. They were
all works of art, except for mine. It was just ok...believe
me. I'd never painted fur, EVER. And it was just so plain. Nothing
was special about it.
There were a lot of people there that I didn't recognize so
I assumed they were the nurses from the neonatal intensive care
unit who were there to pick up the boxes.
As I was sitting with a friend chatting I noticed that my box
wasn't among the others at the table. It was on the other side
of the room on a table where there where two people sitting.
I said to my friend Rita, gosh I knew I shouldn't have agreed
to paint a memory box. I wonder why it's over there and not
with the rest of them. Rita said, That's a mom and when she
walked past the memory boxes she started to cry and said, "this
is the one I have to have". I said to my friend you mean
she's the mom and not a nurse!?! When she nodded, yes, I broke
down crying and could not stop. She said some of them have already
gotten theirs and they bring in new moms who've recently lost
a child. This Mom lost her baby 3 months ago.
This mom had the pick of the most beautiful artwork I've seen
and she chose mine. After I could pull myself together a bit
I went over to talk to her. Her name is Cathy. We hugged and
cried and she said she just had to have the one I painted because
when her son died she thought to herself he's my Angel in heaven
and the words "Angel in Slumberland" touched her heart
immediately. I asked her what her son's name is and she said
Christopher, my grandson is named Christopher also. I won't
ever paint that pattern again because that one is special for
Cathy and her son Christopher.
To say I've been humbled is an understatement. To know that
what I painted will hold the memories of her most precious and
loved child, she has honored me.
When I was painting this box last summer I said to myself never
again! This is just too depressing. After tonight, I know I
could never turn down a request.
Only two new moms were there tonight so the remaining boxes
were taken by the support group leader to be brought to their
own meeting where those who couldn't come will be able to pick
which ever box touches her heart.
I've learned something else also. We can touch other peoples'
lives in ways we can never imagine.
Thanks for letting me share this with you".
Thank you, Tera. I don't know how you find the time and energy
to give all that you do for us and for decorative painting.
I would be honored to contribute whatever I can to ToleNet's
Memory Box Program.
God Bless and Hugs,
Rosemary Armesto
South River, New Jersey USA
rosey@cybernex.net
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