Angel of Hope Memorial Nears Completion
 |
"[I'm] excited and nervous," said Morgan. "There's been a lot of bittersweet times with this."
Morgan, who lost her only child Diana to bacterial meningitis more than 12 years ago, began work on the park after her retirement from Clarksburg Elementary School in 2006. The park, which will include an "Angel of Hope" statue, is meant for those whose children have died but who don't have the resources to do something special in remembrance.
"Some people will call me up and when they tell me about their child and how happy they are that I'm doing this, it brings back memories of my child," Morgan said.
The city donated a parcel land in Southview Cemetery to be used for the park. Morgan spearheaded a fundraising campaign to collect $25,000 for the park, including some $15,000 for the bronze angel.
Families helped in raising funds by sponsoring pavers — 8-inch-by-12-inch granite slabs — with the names of their loved ones on them."At least 10 percent of the pavers have been donated to people who couldn't afford to have one," said Morgan.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 310 has also taken on Morgan's cause and raised almost $1,000 for those otherwise unable to afford a paver in remembrance for their child.
Numerous other groups and individuals stepped forward to help raise funds over the past year, from bake sales at Clarksburg Elementary to a Mill City Production of "Rabbit Hole," a play about grief.
The dedication of the children's memorial is Sunday, Aug. 17, at 4 in Southview Cemetery. Speakers will include the Rev. Albert Dagnoli, a member of the Sacred Heart Fathers, a missionary group, and the Rev. Michael Mullaney, pastor of First Congregational Church in Adams. In attendance will be Mayor John Barrett III, Lisa Johnson, a representative from the Angel of Hope national program, local singer Christa Duplantis and local clergy. Morgan will also be speaking, announcing the names already inscribed on the 100 pavers being planted in the park.
"Depending on the weather, the program here could probably run 45 minutes to an hour. If it's raining or really hot I think we'll shorten it up and do the rest at the hall," said Morgan. The public is welcome to attend the dedication. The reception, hosted at the Eagles' Hall on Curran Highway, is invitation only and will begin directly after the ceremony.
