Lesson learned...

[Michele wwt]

I wanted to take a moment and update my dear friends on a previous blog that I posted about beginning a scholarship in memory of Michael. Michael died from child abuse at age 20 months. His short life had a very profound impact on my and my son's life. I consider him to be an angel and will never forget him. I spent time this summer getting the paperwork, etc together so that I could present my idea to his family, hoping to get their blessing. This was not the case at all. Michael's family would prefer not to have a scholarship in his memory. They stated that it would be too painful and they have moved on with their lives and prefer not to dwell on the past.

I feel terrible that I have caused this family to relive such a painful time. I have certainly learned a lesson from this painful experience. I need to be more considerate of other's feelings as I give. I'm grateful for this lesson. I am on my 21st round of giving and still learning and growing.

May you all be blessed today as we join together to make the world a better place one gift at a time. Love to all!

[Serena]

Oh my goodness, I don't think you should look at it as your having done anything inconsiderate! You were operating from a place of deep love and gratitude to this beautiful little soul. Okay, so you now found out that they aren't open to this idea, that they just want to be done with the painful memories. But I don't think you should feel like you wronged them in any way. Pray on it or meditate on it or just sit with it and maybe there is some other route you can go with this, a way which will not step on anyone's toes and yet you'll be able to honor this child's memory and what he has meant to you. Blessings!

[Yan]

Amen to all!

[Michele wwt]

Thank you, Mare....you all have been so kind and the ideas are wonderful. I am working on it thanks to the great inspiration. Xoxo

[Mare]

You had a beautiful thought to create the scholarship, please don't be discouraged because the family is not able to participate.  I'm sure you will find a way to honor the little one who had so much of an impact on your family.  XOXO

[Michele wwt]

Thank you so much, Laura and Jeannine. You have brought me great comfort and wonderful advice. I am truly blessed by your friendship. Thank you... :)

[Aunty Nean]

Michele, I hope you are feeling so much better after reading the wonderful words of wisdom below. Life is a big learning curve and you have received this curved ball with grace. Much love xox

[Laura M]

I do not know all of the original story, but I am very sorry for your loss of your small friend & it's impressive the impact such a short life can make.  I agree with the others--maybe there is a way for you to continue to contribute in his memory in a different way.  Perhaps his name being involved is what the family is uncomfortable with--always being reminded?  Maybe you can create something a little more generic, or also remember there are many fine groups/scholarships/charities already set up from some of the same reasons as you describe, so there are places to put your energy without creating something from scratch when other people already know the ropes--and it takes nothing away from your love and loss of this small child to acknowledge that others have been there too and may already have something similar to what you want to do already up & running (it just means acknowledging you are not alone in your pain and desire & this child is not the only one lost whose ones left behind have wanted to do something with their heartbreak).  I worked for a while in the non-profit world & it surprised me how many duplicate-type (smaller) charities there were for this very reason.... everyone wanting to do something specifically in the name of their lost loved one as if no one else could understand the depth of this loss or their desire to contribute something of meaning in their memory... sometimes helpful, sometimes not.... this may not even apply to you & if so ignore it, but it is was something I have seen happen.

Your heart will tell you what is best if you listen.  Peace to you.

L 

 

[Michele wwt]

Thank you, Deb....you are an angel and a most wonderful friend. Xoxo

[Deb~ Community Manager]

We are blessed! You have been a true inspiration from the beginning of your journey! xoxo

[Michele wwt]

You ladies are the best! You have picked me up and spurred me on when I needed it most. I have hope now and will continue to pursue your wonderful ideas and options. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am so blessed! :)