In the weeks to immediately follow Gabriel's death, I found great peace and comfort in photographing nature's beauty. I felt drawn to gardens, sunsets, and the shore. I like to imagine that it's my son who pulls me towards this beauty.
I also had a strong desire to do something for other BLMs. I love seeing Gabriel's name written anywhere and to tell his story. And I am continually so grateful whenever anyone does something in Gabriel's memory. This is my little way of giving back to a community that has been so supportive and caring.
Gabriel's Garden provides me healing and I hope it helps you in some small way. It is an honor for me to read about your child(ren), and to pick a flower in his/her/their memory.
I like the symbolism of picking flowers. Each flower is chosen for one specific child, then photographed and picked. The flower represents the child's beauty, growth, life and earthly death.
Flowers remind us that every living thing has a season and a purpose and that no life is without both.
All flowers that are picked are later released on the seashore and allowed to be taken by the ocean waves. I think this is a beautiful reminder that though we cannot see our children, we can be certain that wherever they are, they are surely free!
