Garden of Angels.

No child left un-named.

Published on May 24, 2004 By dharmagrl In Misc

I have a new cause.

I recently discovered an organization called 'Garden of Angels'.

This organization claims the bodies of abandoned infants, names them, and buries them with dignity and respect. They also promote the 'Safe Arms For Newborns' bill to try and diminish the number of discarded babies.

What a beautiful, meaningful thing. Even though no-on eloved those babies in life, these people are loving them in death....giving them an identity, a name....some dignity. Taking them from ME's offices after they've been found thrown away like garbage in trash cans, dumpsters and such. Making sure they're taken care of, that they're not forgotten, that people know that they were here and that they lived, if only for a little while...that someone wanted them. I highly encourage you to follow the link and go see for yourself the work that's being done for these lost little ones: Link

When we get to our next duty station, if there's no 'Garden' already established I'm going to start one. Even if I only make a difference to one newborn...at least I've made a difference.

Comments (Page 2)

JillUser

on May 25, 2004

I read the letter that Debi wrote to the babies of the Garden........man my heart hurts. As a mom, I just can't fathom how anyone could dump a baby. Debi is incredibly inspiring!

dharmagrl

on May 25, 2004

I know, I sat there in floods of tears when I was reading that. What amazing compassion that woman has....something I'd like to be able to mirror in my own life at some point.

I so want to make a difference, I so want to help in any way I can.

Gerry Atrick

on May 25, 2004

dharma, thanks for the offer and I will take you up on it....I definitely have things I need to sort out and would definitely appreciate advice

Janders

on May 25, 2004

Wow Dharma.. Thanks for letting us know... You have such a beautiful heart!

dharmagrl

on May 26, 2004

That's awesome, Gerry. I'll keep an eye out for your email.

Thank you, Janders. I'm sure there are plenty that disagree with you, but thank you anyway.

KarmaGirl

on May 26, 2004

After thinking about this, I *know* that my heart couldn't handle seeing all those dead babies. Our yard is filled with gophers and the rabbits eat my trees and plants because I won't let my husband kill them (I even keep veggie peelings and feed them to the animals in the winter so that they don't get hungry). I made my husband take care of the baby birds that killed in last week's storms because I hate to see dead animals. It bothers me to even flush dead fish from our fish tanks. I had dreams of a favorite fish that died in the past. There is no way that I could handle seeing dead babies especially knowing the awful way that they died.

I had another thought for you, Dharma. Instead of starting a Garden, have you thought about starting a safe haven for mothers to leave their babies? Some sort if 24 hour shelter that women can leave their babies safely. If they leave them for over a week, then they will be turned into social services or something. Something where the women can sign the babies over to you for care and rights after a week. Might save the lives instead of having to bury them later.

dharmagrl

on May 26, 2004

Yes, Karma. California has a 'Safe Arms For Newborns' Bill, where women can hand over their child at any hospital and walk away, no questions asked. When we get to wherever we're going I'll see if there's such legislation on the books..if there isn't, I'll lobby and petition to get some. If there is, I'll see what I can do to help that legislation function and work to everyone's benefit - especially the infant's and their mothers.

You're right, better to save a child than bury one.

trina_p

on Sep 27, 2004

I was doing some back reading and I went looking for this article so I could bring it back into the spotlight again.

What happened Karen? Does your new post have a garden of angels? Did you end up knitting those blankets and things? Did any of the others who replyed do anything? I remember this being a big discussion for those 2 days but its all but forgotten now.

Plus some of the new Joeusers should see this too - it was a great article

dharmagrl

on Sep 27, 2004

Thanks, Trina....

As far as I can tell, there isn't an established Garden of Angels in my area. I've got a few little things knitted, and I'm going to be contacting the original organization for advice on how to start things moving.

trina_p

on Sep 27, 2004

Sounds Good!!! (my ploy didn't work - maybe now there's more traffic?)

dharmagrl

on Sep 27, 2004

I dunno...I don't think many people are interested in burying dead abandoned infants.

trina_p

on Sep 27, 2004

whoa Karen - that was just... whoa

The Crusaders

on Sep 27, 2004

I have heard of that ....and I think it's a wonderful thing for people to do for those poor children. Everyone deserves that kind of respect.
And...Dharmagrl....I think it's absolutely great that you want to help in this way. The world needs more people such as yourself.

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