Help with memorial please!

[JennCa]

My 1 year old son passed away in May and in lieu of flowers we asked for donations for a park bench that can be used as a memorial. I met with the park planner today and he asked for my input and I am CLUELESS!

Has anyone ever done this? Do you remember the name of the company you worked with? Ever seen one at a park? Can anyone post a picture of 2 of the unique ones?

I had thought it would just be a plain bench with his name on it, but I didn't realize there were so many choices and don't know where to start.

The most we could spend is 2,500-3,000 and the city installs the bench for free FYI.

Also, we may get a plain bench for 1000 and then have to figure out what else to get. One idea was a kiosk/signboard that would show a map of all the bike trails in our town or possibly a picnic table at a park without many tables. I am open to any ideas.

Thanks,

Jenn

Our website is www.woosters.com/steven if anyone wants to look : )

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Hi Jenn...

I wish I knew what to say about memorials, but I think I am no help here.. I may look around the internet and see what I can find...

I went to your site and of course, I am typing this through tears.....we have a beautiful baby in the other room, I can hear him from where I am in my office. My first grandchild, a boy named Thomas, he is 3 months old.....I thought how did these people make it through this and when I look at the pictures, I am totally amazed at your courage and the smiles on your faces while spending precious time with Steven..

I was thinking where would his bench, if it is to be a bench be the most useful. I was thinking in a playground where Mothers can sit and watch their children at play, and of course with a dedication of some sort....I will have to think a little on that one..

Anyway, hope others have some ideas.. big hugs to you and yours..

 

[annrae]

My 1 year old son passed away in May and in lieu of flowers we asked for donations for a park bench that can be used as a memorial. I met with the park planner today and he asked for my input and I am CLUELESS!

Has anyone ever done this? Do you remember the name of the company you worked with? Ever seen one at a park? Can anyone post a picture of 2 of the unique ones?

I had thought it would just be a plain bench with his name on it, but I didn't realize there were so many choices and don't know where to start.

The most we could spend is 2,500-3,000 and the city installs the bench for free FYI.

Also, we may get a plain bench for 1000 and then have to figure out what else to get. One idea was a kiosk/signboard that would show a map of all the bike trails in our town or possibly a picnic table at a park without many tables. I am open to any ideas.

Thanks,

Jenn

Our website is www.woosters.com/steven if anyone wants to look : )

Hi Jenn:

I read your website and was overwhelmed with sadness for all of you and yet the expressions on your faces gave me a sense of peace.

I think Disney has benches and I do know if you go into www.Benches.com you can find benches that are concrete, wood or steel and they will personalize them in any way you wish - even with the first evening star.

I hope that each day will somehow become a bit easier for all of you. Barbara

 

[JennCa]

Thank you all for your kind words. You might as well be as happy as you can and enjoy each minute of life! We have plenty of sad and depressing times like everyone else but there is no point in remembering it.

Anyway, our city allows us to "donate" benches but need ideas. They will do just a standard plain bench but was hoping for something more unique.

Jenn

 

[Maddie2]

Hi there, Jenn. I haven't read your website yet, but will after I post. I'm afraid I couldn't type through the tears if I read first.

I don't know a lot about park benches, but I do know that some park benches are made out of recyclable materials. Seems to me that these would last longer than wood or even concrete. More comfortable too. I would think that your city park's department should have more info available?

I know there are memorial benches in a nearby city near a river and some falls. A beautiful, scenic place. Is there a park that you love to go to?

You could do more than one bench or perhaps donate a small piece of playground equipment? Some playground equipment is very, very expensive, but maybe something like one of those little diggers I would think may be in a better price range? Picnic tables are nice too.

Does your town have a zoo? A nearby zoo here has several memorial benches, tables and small climb-on animals in their children's petting zoo.

If you do want to go with wood, is there a local woodworker that could create a bench for you? Possibly in an animal shape? Or could you do something in fun colors?

Bless your heart for sharing through a memorial for your son. Take care.

 

[JennCa]

When I said wood, I think it looks like wood, but isn't 100% wood. The Parks and Recreation guy from the city showed us the 1 idea that he knew of and it is rather plain, but very useful.

I just thought that there may be some different choices in other places and since he was open to it, I thought I'd throw it out there.

We have a park in mind, it is one where we go a lot, it is walking distance from my house. He wants it to be set in concrete so it doesn't walk off : ) I'd picked the location and the exact size/type of the bench is the discussion currently.

Thank you for all the kind words. It has been a difficult time for us, but picking out a bench seems to help us feel more peaceful with our situation.

Jenn

 

[TB'sWidow]

I wish to offer my sincerest sympathies, I read the blog and I am sobbing like a baby. Your whole family is so courageous and how wonderful to have had this wonderful child in your lives even for such a short time. I really don't have any suggestions on the memorial but I know you will pick a great one.
Much love and blessins to your family.

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. I wish you peace. I hope you find just the right bench you are looking for.

In Gods peace
Lori

 

[Belle1997]

I just read your blog. I am so sorry for your loss. And so happy your son had such a loving family surrounding him. I hope your search for a bench for him goes well. I have no suggestions. But wanted to let you know I read you beautiful blog on your son.

 

[mushumadness]

wow i just read your blog and im in tears

we have alot of memorial benches in our cemetary, one has a back shaped like a dolphin jumping a wave, this is for one of my friends who passed at 15, its lovely to see shaped benches,