Genie and Denny Stoll, Greg and Shannon Gossack, Bill and Judy Schmidt, and Jeri and Mike Block invite community members to attend Silverton’s Angel of Hope Candle Lighting event Sunday, Dec. 11, 6 to 8 p.m. at 880 Main St., next to the Gordon House by The Oregon Garden.
The four couples started the nonprofit Angel of Hope and worked to raise money to purchase a bronze statue of an angel. By creating the Silverton Angel of Hope garden, the four families want to give grieving parents a place to go for solace, healing and hope. The Angel of Hope statue is based on the one written about in the novel The Christmas Box, by Richard Paul Evans. In the book, a woman mourns the loss of her child at the base of an angel monument. Paul Evans commissioned a bronze angel to be created and it was dedicated on Dec. 6, 1994 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since then, more than 100 bronze angels have been commissioned, including statues in Salem and Portland.
The candlelight vigil will be held in conjunction with the Worldwide Candle Lighting event uniting family and friends around the world to honor children, grandchildren and siblings of all ages who have died from any
cause.
To have your child, grandchild or sibling’s name read at the ceremony, please visit www.silvertonangelofhope.org.
Thank you to the parents who shared a letter of love to their child.
The signs you send me are cherished, a gust of wind, that song, the birds singing and at the right time they are silent so we can have a moment, the Big Dipper shinning so bright, it’s just right there I don’t even have to look for it. I know these things are coming from you! Thank you for letting me know your O.K. I love you.
Your mom,
Genie Stoll
To my sweet Alyssa Kay,
I can’t believe it has been four years since I have been able to hold you. I miss you more than words could ever explain, but take comfort in knowing you are free to chase butterflies and dance. I am grateful everyday that you chose me to be your mommy. Kisses sent to Heaven just for you!!
Love forever, Your Mommy,
Sabrina Carver
Ah Geoff, I miss your dear face, your passion and wit. When my heart grips, something funny or sweet that you’ve said or done appears and I thank God for the 22 years of love that so enhanced my life. I’m due a big bear hug when next we meet!
Brenna Wiegand
Dear Alex,
As surely as the stars shine in the sky, I know you are watching over me. Everyday when I wake up, I think of you. On those days when life is a little tough, I hear your sweet voice encouraging me and telling me to “Play the Game.” Until we are together again my sweet angel, may our love be enough to sustain me. Love you forever and always,
Your Mom,
Gail Frassenei
Timothy Patrick Leamon (Nov. 19, 1975 – Dec. 26, 2004)
Timothy always cared about how he looked, what clothes were in fashion and loved snow skiing and skateboarding. He loved all forms of boating and being on the water and said his ideal job would be working on the Columbia River on the boats that push barges up and down the river. At the age of 29 he was too young to leave us, but he is in our hearts and thoughts each and every day.
Danette Navone (April 23, 1963 – Feb. 7, 2003)
Danette was the wife of John and mother of Barry and Megan. She cared deeply for others and if someone was in need of a hand, Danette was there. Even if that meant having less for herself. Danette had a strong feeling towards family and loved to collect masks, loved music and reading. Danette also loved to cook and family gatherings. At the age of 39 she was too young to leave us, but she is in our hearts and thoughts each and every day.
Sylvia & Bill Long
Many believe parents are here to nurture and love a child into adulthood. Although Pauly never spoke a word, or took his first step; he taught me so many things that have influenced my life.
Pauly taught me to love my family and friends deeper. He taught me to be honest with myself and others. He taught me that you do not always have to comment on issues in life; nor do I have all the answers. He taught me that if you are not an advocate for your life, no one else will be. He taught me to truly understand the meaning of, “our children are on loan to us,” and that he is now where we are
spending our lives trying to achieve…in Heaven where we all belong…forever!
I can’t wait to see you, healthy, happy, and running because you can…meet me at
The Gates my wise and special son.
You are my Angel of Hope!
I love you, Mom (Deb Harroun)
P.S. Look out for your older brother Joseph…he has missed you so much!
Oh my, how we miss you Son! There has not been a day that we have not thought of you these past two years. If we could only have a few minutes with you. But how could we let you go.
Joe got his Eagle Scout, graduated and has started hair design college. He is driving and is very thankful for your car. Jimmie started high school and played football. He reminds everyone so much of you. He is wearing your leather coats and like hats like you. Bessie is in eighth grade and becoming such a wonderful young lady. Bessie and Jimmie are both listening to Celtic music these days. Wonder were they got that? You have left your mark on your brothers and sister. All the kids are doing so very well in school…grades are all better than ever.
Dad is busy as always and I’m taking care of everyone. I had a bout with breast cancer this spring and went through all the treatment, finishing up this October. I am fine and thank you for your prayers. I know that you are always looking out for us.
We all feel you around us. Especially at our Civil War re-enactments. Grandma Theresa appreciates your help in finding things. She talks to you a lot as do the rest of us. We just enjoy sitting by your pond and waterfall. Aunt Linda says you are still perched beside us.
Your memorial foundation has helped “students of history” and Cub and Boy scouts for the last two years. We are trying to have something good come out of something so senseless. It has helped all of us knowing we are helping others.
The holidays are always a little bitter-sweet. But we enjoy the family time and cherish the memories of the past. Irish dinner for St Paddy’s. Special Yams and Stuffing for Thanksgiving. Your White House Ornaments and Ham for Christmas.Your stocking is hung too. No one does Lent as well as you. Remember the Coke, potato chips, and TV? You inspired us.
With our faith we have gotten through life. Loosing you was by far the hardest thing we have ever gone through. (Cancer was easy.) We all have our days we feel our hearts are breaking and the tears flow. But through it all, God is so good! I so wish you were here! But God was ready for you to come home. I’m so very thankful that by God’s grace and mercy we shall be together again someday.
I love you with all my heart and miss you so. Having the honor of being your mom is one of the greatest joys in my life.
Love you forever!
Your Mama, Tanya Little
