Hope Angel: The Memorials to Babies in Heaven from Potter's Syndrome and more

Remembering Hope Angel - Imperial Beach, CA.

Every July we attend the Sandcastle Competition in Imperial Beach, Ca. So in 2005 when my Mom rented a hotel room on the beach for the weekend event, we were excited. That weekend, my Mom brought some watercolors and announced, "the price of admission is a watercolor painting of the Imperial Beach Pier". Everyone was hesitant to "paint their admission". Then we announced "we're pregnant" and we would decorate the nursery, with a beach theme, using their special paintings. The paintings didn't have to be perfect, just paint for the baby. I am happy to say our family and friends "paid" beautifully.

A few weeks later our baby was diagnosed with Potters Syndrome. One evening my husband and I walked quietly hand in hand on the beach.

As the tide rose we decided to sit on the top of a pile of rocks. Then we picked up rocks, one by one, and tossed them to the rocks and water below. Before we knew it, we were throwing the rocks as hard as we could trying to crack them in half. It was great to let out all that anger together. It was our very own silent private therapy session. Still to this day, when we walk on the beach and see a pile of rocks, we smile at each other and squeeze our hands together tightly.

We had Hope's Memorial at the foot of the Imperial Beach Pier. The picture I painted that day is the background for the invitations. If you look closely on the bottom left corner, on the wall, you can see (heart) Mommy. The pictures painted by the rest of the family are below as well.

LOVE was all she ever knew!!!