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The Meaderwood Garden Club got an answer to their first question regarding a proposed project: yes.
The group had made contact with city officials to request permission – and a location – for an Angel of Hope Memorial Garden.
During last week’s meeting of the Brewton City Council, an approval was given to have a monument placed at the Brewton City Park downtown near the clock in place at the north corner of the park.
“We are able to move forward with a project that is dear to many hearts,” said.Becky Lambert, a member of the local garden club. “Several communities nearby have recently established Angel of Hope Gardens where parents can memorialize lost children through engraved brick pavers. Our members plan to raise the money to build a 20 foot-by-20 foot garden with landscaping and pavers with floral accents that will enhance the park and create a place of meditation and peace.”
The planned project is estimated to have a cost of $50,000 with club members hoping to raise the funds by selling memorial brick pavers as well as seeking donations. The group is expecting to secure at least half of the funds before beginning the project work.
Angel of Hope gardens started appearing after the book “The Christmas Box” by Richard Paul Evans became known. In the story, a woman sits at an angel statue and mourns the loss of her daughter. The statue that inspired the story was lost in a flood in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1984, but was replaced by the author in 1994. In the ensuing years, the idea has spread as people across the country recognize the deep, ongoing grief that is the result of the loss of a child. More than 100 such memorials across the country acknowledge the grieving process and allow a place for parents to reflect and create a permanent memorial in a beautiful setting.
“There are so many people in our community that has been touched with the loss of a child,” Lambert said. “We are accepting donations for the project to move forward.”
Those interested in making a contribution should contact Meaderwood members Catherine Fountain, Debbie Quarles or Becky Lambert at 251-363-1441.