Tuesday, November 17, 2009

"From our baby, to yours."

I have the most amazing news!

I am so beside myself with emotions right now. I am just sobbing in joy. Janessa will be getting a headstone due to a generous donation!

I came across a foundation a few months back called The Dempsey Burdick Memorial Headstone Fund. It was created in memory of DEMPSEY SUE BURDICK who was just 31 days old when she died. Her passing was a result of complications associated with open-heart surgery to correct a birth defect. Her death and the subsequent grieving process was the inspiration for the creation of this headstone fund by her parents. Each year, a few families are selected to receive a complimentary headstone as a gift for their angel baby from the Dempsey Burdick Memorial Foundation.

As Kevin would say, "Please accept this small gift from our baby, to yours."

I emailed Dempsey’s father Kevin, and applied for a headstone for Janessa. I wasn’t really too sure what the qualifications were and it if we would be a candidate. He had sent an email back explaining that there was a waiting list and due to the economy, donations were down and requests were up. I left it at that and then was completely consumed with my grief.

Yesterday afternoon I received an email from Kevin telling me things were moving forward this week with Janessa’s headstone and we should start thinking about what we would like on the stone as far as images & wording!

Today I received another email saying that they sent the check to the local monument company today & once the check clears we can go down & choose Janessa’s stone!

Janessa having her own little mark in the world brings me a little bit of peace and comfort.

THANK YOU KEVIN SO VERY MUCH!

I sent him an email expressing our gratitude. One day I will find a way to give back to that organization. I already have some ideas floating around in my head.

“In one day, since I posted it, we had an outpouring of new donations as your story really touched a number of people. Those donations will go to help another family, so Janessa has essentially inspired two headstones.” - Kevin

To think that Janessa has already helped another angel baby get their own mark in the world just warms my heart!

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24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Malory *hugs* That is so beautiful. There are not just angels in heaven with our babies, but angels here on earth walking among us. Such wonderful news.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

That is wonderful, I am so happy for you. I will go over and make a donation. What a wonderful thing they are doing. God Bless.

Jen said...

that is so wonderful!! I am so happy for you to finally have that..Ella's came in this week and we are now waiting for it to dry out before they can place it... you must share pics when it gets in!!

BIG HUGS!

wendy said...

So happy for you Malory! and once again so very Proud of you and your grace and courage through all of this.I know how you feel about the stone as I too have not ben able to get one for my grandmother and mother,it will be 1 year friday that I lost my best friend.It still feels just as hard.Listening to your journey helps me to heal too, Thanks honey:)

Franchesca said...

WOW! I am so excited for you Malory!! This is such an amazing ministry. I did not know she didn't have a marker, I am sorry I must have missed it. I am sooo glad they chose Janessa. How very very touching.

XOXO

Susan said...

That is fantastic news, Malory!! I am so happy for you, Jonathan and Janessa. I am sure that this will bring a little bit of joy to the dark corners of your heart, now. I must have missed in your early postings that she did not have a stone....sorry. I am so glad for you!!!

Rikki said...

Wow that is amazing. I am so happy that there are some very kind people out there. It must be a great feeling knowing that she will now have her stone.
xxx

Once A Mother said...

Oh Malory, what a beautiful gift. It is wonderful that her stone will always have such a moving story to it.

Jess said...

That's fabulous. What a wonderful organization.

Bree said...

That is amazing. It's nice to hear some good news. What a neat organization.

Tina said...

That is so wonderful!!! I am so happy that Janessa will have her marker and maybe you will have a little bit of peace in your heart. xx

Dyanna said...

I love that your video has had such a profound impact on people. Not only are you helping families grieve, but you are also spreading awareness. Congratulations on being selected for a headstone. I'll be up to see it as soon as it's sorted.

<3

Akul's mama said...

hugsssssssssssss...I am so happy you were able to get that headstone for Janessa.

Cristin said...

That is wonderful news. Absolutely wonderful. There are angels down here on earth looking out for us.

Catherine W said...

That is wonderful. I'm so glad that Janessa will have her marker soon. What a beautiful cause and it so amazing that she has inspired so many donations that another angel will be receiving one as well.

Just wonderful. xo

Mother Knows Best Reviews said...

This just made me cry - that's so very beautiful and wonderful. I am so glad that you have such a wonderful blessing for your sweet Janessa.

amy said...

this must be such an overwhelming feeling for you guys, iam so happy that something so amazing could come out of such a sad situation. i hope now this is a door for you to be able to be in peace. i love you guys i hope al is well and if u ever need me u know iam here..

Christmas with Kasey said...

(((HUGS)))) I am so glad that Janessa will be getting her marker. I hope that it will make it a little easier when you go to see her.

Lea said...

mal - so happy for you and Janessa. What a beautiful and precious gift.

L

Holly said...

This is AMAZING! I am so happy that this generous foundation and people are helping you with Janessa's headstone. I know how it feels to visit the cemetery and see nothing there. I am so glad that Janessa's story has prompted people to help.

judi Mac said...

Every time you open your broken heart and try to help another family using your gifts and talents you are "paying it forward". You are keeping Janessa's spirit alive! I think the Headstone is good karma back at you!And see how it all started another cycle of donations to Dempsey's fund?

The Blue Sparrow said...

That is so great! I am so glad to hear that! *HUGS*

In This Storm said...

Oh Malory! What a wonderful organization. And I'm just THRILLED they were able to help you.

Anonymous said...

what a special child Janessa is to inspire so much color in world plaqued with grey. it is no surprise given the love and strength of her parents and her big brother. maybe there is still something to that old saying "love conquers all" ~ all my love...melissa garcia ~

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