Building
a House of LOVE
Gone
is a house that was on
a lot near our home, torn
down for development. If
your drove by today you
would never know there
was a house, a family or
at one time a “home” on
this piece of dirt with
tall summer weeds.
It came to me that upon seeing this now empty lot, that if Peter and I don’t speak, volunteer and do things in memory of our son, it would never be known Joel Albert Grayson exists. He was born, he died and it’s a beautiful truth he is our child and we are his parents forever.
I remember speaking with a woman that quietly mentioned her daughter had died. “When” I asked? “Oh, many years ago”, she said. I then asked, “What is the child’s name”, and the mother hesitated for an uncomfortable amount of time, and then apologized, as she had not spoken her daughter’s name out loud in years. Knowing at this time I would not hear about her dear daughter, this mother in her silence had given me a gift...This will never be our story - Joel’s mom will not pause. His name will be spoken often and always with my love.
Years later the lessons
are many. Facilitating
grief support group meetings
and volunteering for MISS
in the State of Idaho,
we have served hundreds
of families, and listened
to many stories. Always
respecting that the worse
grief, is your very own.
I repeat to parents new
in grief, to try and separate
your child from how they
died, and remember they
are sons and daughters
long before ‘the
cause of death’.
Embrace your parenthood,
despite the situation.
Build on to your house
of love, the love for your
child, your memories and
dreams.
To my son, Joel - I love
being your mom.
Dad & I are dreaming of you
in Camp Heaven!
See you when we get there! MOM
Dear God - Could we have a Polaroid. Please!!!
Images loaned by ‘Camp
Heaven’ creator:
Max Haynes
www.maxhaynes.com Camp Heaven
LINK - Visit Camp Heaven today!
About the Author
Nancy and Peter Grayson
- Joel's Mom & Dad
MISS Foundation Idaho programs:
Mothers and Dads in Sympathy & Support
Children of HOPE, KISS kids, Grief
Happens for teens
missfoundationidaho@msn.com 208.861.2407
www.missfoundation.org
