How would you commemorate this.... About This Page:

[mrsmaup]

Our first child was born extremely premature(26 weeks) and died 2 weeks after she was born.

In the past, we have never lived in the same house for more than 1 year, so we were never able to plant anything in her honor or anythign like that. We had always found a baby's grave and put flowers there in her memory and of course we donate a large chunk of money every year to the march of dimes, the red cross and the lung association.

This year, we wanted to do something different, since we now own a house and hopefully(if they keep this base open) we wont have to move again unless it is our choice.

We cant really come up w/anything thing that seems "right" for Jordan's birthday this year. The kids(brooke and cody) are getting antsy because we havent done anything and her birthday was the 31st.

Im not sure if a rose bush or a tree would have enough time to root properly before winter sets in.

Any suggestions on something like this?

BTW, its not a downer time for us(well at least we try). Jordan was a part of our family. We have never hidden her away like she never existed. The kids feel close to her because they know they can talk about her or look at her pictures from the hospital whenever they want. Makes them feel better about not having ever met her. Plus, they know they will meet her in Heaven one day and they want to be sure they will know what she looks like(LOL!!), so we dont make it a solem day, but rather a celebration of her short life and all she taught us...

I would also like to do something on the day of her death(the 14th of Sept), but since she is burried in CA and my family takes care of flowers, I am not sure what we could do here..

I hope this is not a downer for anyone. Dont feel sorry for us, we were BLESSED by Jordan and she taught us so many things. We are better parents and a have a better marriage because of her and we would trade NONE OF IT!!!

[DisneyMomma]

I'm sorry to hear about the loss your family suffered. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] It sounds like Jordan was a very special little baby, born to a very special family! It is wonderful that you honor her memory as you do.

If you did want to plant a tree and are concerned that it might not make it through the winter, perhaps you could get a small tree and plant it in a container to keep in your home. ON the anniversary of her death, you could put bows or something on it. Then, in the spring, you could transplant it to a special place outside (like where you'll be able to see it from the kitchen window or something).

[boBmouse]

Hi Kristie,

I am sorry for your lose and elated that you have kept Jordan in your life. How about buying a potted tree and keep it in your house for the winter then plant it outside in the spring.

Bobºoº

[HiddenMickey]

Here in North Carolina, the Fall is the best time to plant new trees/shrubs. I'd check with a garden center in your town to see what they suggest. Best wishes in finding the perfect memorial! -HiddenMickey

[CRCrazy]

I know that it is nothing compared with the life of a child - but we have brought home baby trees from Disney from each of our trips (except our honeymoon - that one, I was supposed to root the English ivy in my bouquet - which I killed! Thank goodness our marriage wasn't harmed!)

We have a baby palm tree, two baby orange trees, and a little (but growing FAST) bamboo plant. Usually I have a black thumb - but it has been great fun nuturing these living reminders. I'm surprised, but they are really thriving even in our Northern climate. Something like this could be a great memorial to little Jordan. Maybe you could find some sort of flowering miniature tree, like a bonsai, since she was so tiny, yet caused so many wonderful things to bloom in your lives.

[Dumbo]

My brother has a memory garden. They have plants, a tree, and some pavers. I think they also have a special stone with their son's name on it.

I like the idea that you haven't hidden her away. My parents first child died. I remember going to the cemetary as a child and putting flowers on his grave.

[mrsmaup]

Thanks for the suggetions. I really like the idea of planting a tree or a rose bush, something that will be around every year and bring new life every spring...

I guess we will check at the garden center this weekend and see if we can plant anything.

There is not a very long growing season up here in ND, so I dont want to buy an expensive, beautiful tree or bush and then have it die before it can properly root. I like the idea of getting something that can be kept in the house and then transplanted.

Thanks again!!!

[AKLRULZ]

How about an indoor tree? Something living that can stay inside year round?

[chezp]

I like the idea of a container grown tree or rose bush. Over here, you can get patio rose bushes, I think they're called that just grow in pots. That way, if you do move again, you can take it with you. We were bought an ornamental tree for our wedding and I've never planted it in the ground, but just keep finding bigger pots for it. I'd hate to plant it out and then move on elsewhere.