Angel of Hope

December 6 is known as Saint Nicholas Day (Childrens Day) throughout many parts of the world and coincidentally enough, it also coincides with the Angel of Hope. At 7pm on December 6 there is a prayer service at the base of each of the Angel of Hope statues placed throughout the world. These statues are a symbol of hope and comfort for all those that are grieving the loss of a child. I remember the day that this statue was dedicated at my school and what a powerful representation this must have been for families that had lost their children. My assumptions then were right. It has now become a powerful place to be and pray for me as well.

Last year, thanks to so many of you who contributed to Will's memorial, we were able to run lights to this dark statue. It was the only thing on our campus that stood without light. For the prayer service each year, they ran battery-operated flood lights that were kicked over and tripped on numerous times throughout the service. It was so disheartening to think that a statue that represents hope and light, was only lit once a year. We can't thank you enough for your support in helping run electricity to it. We love turning the corner between our house and the school and seeing the shadow of the statue hugely portrayed on the side of the building from a distance through the trees at night. It's as if, in a way, it is joinging Heaven and Earth. 

The prayer service this year was the coldest one yet, but the light warmed my heart. Grace set Norah's WillBear at the base of the Angel and it was sad, yet encouraging, to think of all the other nostaligic items that people around the world were placing at the base of their angels at that exact same moment. All pf them wishing, just like us, that they could trade that beloved item for just one more moment, touch, smell, sound of their precious child. It was a beautiful prayer service and wonderful reminder to us that Will continues to spread light in this world even after his death.