September 26, 2008

Garden for our boy

As I promised...here are some more pictures of Christian's garden.





Please don't notice that I'm standing on the very top of the ladder!

Don't try this at home...I am a trained professional...ha!





We planted Blooming Jasmine, Italian Cypress, Juniper, and Costa Rican vines...

The teddy bear is actually called a "comfort cub"... Some of Christian's ashes were placed in a heart shaped gold locket which is inside the bear's chest. It's a way for Leah and me to have a part of Christian with us always. We hug him, tell him we love him, and kiss him goodnight every evening. He even watches football with us on Sunday!



The fish...

Christian's garden faces our home... he will forever be a part of our family...



Christian, Roxie, MacCloud, and Me...



God bless

25 comments:

boltefamily said...

That is awesome! I LOVE the idea of that bear! The garden is absolutely perfect. What a great way to remember your little guy!

Thanks for sharing!

Kreg and Nicole said...

I am a stranger.....but check your blog all the time. That garden is absolutely amazing, your devotion to the memory of your beautiful son is so touching.

Cathy said...

Incredible, Awesome, Beautiful, Peaceful and LOving Tribute to your precious son. I love the little bear and I have never heard of this. Thank you for sharing your special place with us here in blogland.

Lauri St.Pierre said...

BEAUTIFUL garden!!! A really wonderful place to be all together! God bless.
~Lauri

Anonymous said...

Dear Ryan,
My heart is bursting with sorrow and pride at how you and Leah are handling this most tragic time in your lives. I can see the power of prayer and love coming through your every effort to heal. The garden is soooooo beautiful and peaceful. I know it will give you both such solice.
My arms and love surround you.
Love, MOM (Mina)

t~ said...

Wow, that's beautiful. Your hard work certainly paid off, it's lovely!

Anonymous said...

The garden is almost as beautiful as your precious son, Christian. The bear is perfect. Hope your heart begins to heal. May only good things happen to you in the future. May you learn to smile and laugh again together.
Wishing you a joy only future.
Lisa=))

Mrs. Mother said...

What a beautiful spot to remember your special little boy. I love the teddy bear idea. I would love to do something like that for my Jenna.

Stacy@hiswaynotmine said...

Christian's garden turned out beautiful with so many special touches. What a wonderful memorial. May God continue strenghtening you both in the days and weeks ahead and may you feel His presence and comfort in a powerful way!

Framed by Grace said...

What a beautiful garden for his memory! And the teddy bear, how sweet. I pray you both are doing well! God Bless you guys!

Angie said...

Absolutely beautiful! I love this idea so much, and I can't think of a better tribute to sweet Christian!

Deb D. said...

Wow - in a solemn, touched tone.
It is stunning. What a crafted gift of deep love. It says so much. It is beautiful and your telling of it is full of the intense love of two parents smitten with their beautiful son. May it provide many opportunities for you to tell his story and share the joy of the gift of his life.
Thank you for sharing it with us.

Anonymous said...

That is so beautiful.. You guys are so awesome and creative.. I am sure you feel peace there.

Kenzie said...

What a beautiful tribute to Christian and an amazing place to remember your precious son!

Continued prayers on this road... I know each day is so different!

Much love and prayer,
Kenzie

Brookeann said...

What a very loved little boy Christian is. He was wonderful parents. He will never be forgotten even by us strangers.

mrsrubly said...

one word! beautiful!

Doripink said...

It's sooooo beautiful! I love it!
Thank you for sharing your special place with all of us. Your family is always in my prayers.
Dori

{darlene} said...

That is such a beautiful garden. The bear is precious. I continue to pray for your hearts to be comforted by Christ, amidst your deep sadness.

Believe it or not, Christian Dale is regularly brought up in our home. My son Caleb, who is 3, prayed for your sweet boy. We called him Christian-Dale because Caleb's brother's name is also Christian. Caleb asks me all the time: "where is Christian Dale?" I tell him, "heaven." He wanted to know, one day when we got into the car, if we were going to heaven, right now, to see Christian Dale and Jesus. I was going to tell him no... but then I told him, "maybe, honey. I don't think we are going to go today. But we will go. We will go before you know it."

May His peace be yours,
Darlene and family

Kathy said...

So beautiful!
Many prayers continue your way.
Love,
Kathy

Suzie said...

The garden is amazing. You both did a wonderful job. Thank you for sharing! God bless you both

Suzie
Cooper's momma

Jenny said...

The garden is just gorgeous. What a beautiful way to honor Christian's life and keep him close.

And the bear...wow, what an awesome idea. How comforting to have Christian with you all the time.

Still praying for you both and sending big hugs and prayers.

Cindy said...

This is my first time visiting your blog, and I'm blown away. What a beautiful tribute to your son. My prayers will be with your family.

Lily's Pad said...

The garden is absolutely beautiful. I have been following your blog and have been praying for your family daily. Your strength has been an inspiration. I am sure this garden will bring you peace and comfort with the wonderful memories of your precious Christian.

Penny said...

What a beautiful place to be able to go and reflect and celebrate your son. I love the bear, so cute just like Christian. Hold tight to each other and your faith. You will make it through this rocky time.

Verna said...

what an awesome memorial to your son!