A Memory Grows is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that serves as an outreach to grieving parents, and as a resource to hospitals, clinics, hospice groups, churches and other nonprofit organizations.
Retreat Experiences
“October 15th was our first unborn child’s due date. So it just all fit perfectly that I found this great event to attend. I surprised her with a date night and the first thing she did was cry. She was worried and apprehensive about people seeing her cry, until she saw others hurting/healing too. We loved it. You guys don’t understand how much you helped our family. We can breathe again. We know the future may still have ups and downs and setbacks…but now we have hope. Now we know we are not alone in this. Thank you for everything”
“My husband and I attended our first retreat honoring our twins that passed away in October. This was such a special time for us to talk about our children and meet other parents that have been through something similar. We took away new lifelong friendships and items we made honoring our children. We were nervous going in and by the end of the weekend we did not want to leave. DeAndrea has a big heart and truly cares for each family. We are so glad we went. It was a very special weekend.”
“My husband and I just returned from the School Aged Child Loss Retreat at the Iron Horse Inn in Granbury. We are so thankful we had the opportunity to spend this time together in the fellowship of other grieving families and under the thoughtful, caring and extremely insightful guidance of DeAndrea Dare. We felt safe and comfortable sharing our story, learning about the grief process and learning ways that we can carry on and move forward while always remembering and honoring the life and legacy of our son.”
It was such a blessing to be able to gather with other women who are walking the same journey I am. I loved listening to each of their stories even if my heart broke a little more each time. But there is healing in coming together and making new friends. We each lit a candle with our child’s name after we told their story. We had a great panel discussion, lunch in a beautiful venue, and ended with a wind chime craft. And I’m looking forward to the couples retreat when we each get to make a quilt square.
Resources
When navigating the journey of grief it is often helpful to read what others have written, find helpful tools for the day, be inspired by another’s courage or even to sit and listen to the words of music.
These resources are helpful for both the parent who has lost a child as well as others who desire to provide the gift of presence and meaningful support to those who are grieving.
Blog
Santa and Max
It is a place I've been going to for years. I always feel like a walking fashion faux pas the minute I step foot in the doors. My friend Kristie and I have spent many an hour shopping and watching movies there. Aaron and I look forward to driving to Dallas to eat at our favorite restaurant Maggiano's for special occasions. And for the past 15 years I have gone with my sister and her four boys during Christmas to experience Santa. NorthPark Center has always been one of my favorite spots in Dallas. Our family does not have a lot of traditions, but going to NorthPark at Christmas is one that we look forward to every year. When my nephews were younger we would go early to get a number to see Santa, which meant that even though we got there when it opened or before we wouldn't
Blue Christmas by Lisa Dalton
My name is Lisa Dalton. I am a mother of 4 living children and 2 sweet babies who will forever be alive in my heart and in my memories. This is my story… My husband and I knew we wanted a large family and we were happily on our way. We had 3 beautiful children, one boy and two girls. In March of 2003 my 4th pregnancy ended abruptly in a miscarriage at 9 weeks. We named our tiny baby Alyssa. I was pregnant again quite quickly and found out we were expecting a little boy the following February. After my previous miscarriage, I was grateful to make it through the first trimester. I anticipated this child’s birth with great joy. Benjamin was born full term at 9# 11oz in February of 2004. Benjamin was a healthy baby with a lusty cry and a sweet spirit. He smiled often