Books from hEvan

We have been collecting books for our little program we call Books from hEvan for awhile now.  Mrs. Funderburk, Danielle's 2nd grade teacher donated books to the school library in Evan's name after he passed away.  Marsha would then take the kids out on "GG" dates and they would also buy books to donate to the school.  I wanted to make this an official program, but at the time was unable to pursue much because of the intense sadness of grief I was experiencing.  Soooo, after a few years of collecting books from friends and our kids birthday parties (they would ask for book donations instead of gifts)  we took 68 books to the elementary school and middle school where the children attend.  We designed a label with help from a friend (Melissa Palmer) that we stick inside the book that includes a picture of Evan.   I hope to have this program continue.  It is another way for Evan's legacy to continue.   If you are interested in donating books to this program, please let me know.  You can either donate to your local school and I will send you Books from hEvan labels so you can include them in the book or you can contact me and I will donate to local schools here.  Thanks, and I hope Evan's legacy will be read around the world.

Evan's Grave Marker

I am finally posting Evan's Grave Marker.   Evan's grave marker was placed on September 7, 2011 on his 5th birthday, 3 years after he passed away. Finally having a grave marker that represents Evan feels like a huge burden or weight lifted off my back.  That's the best way I can describe it.  The marker turned out more beautiful than I could have imagined.  I am so grateful.....yes, that's it...
grateful.

I wanted to be there when the grave marker was placed, just like I wanted to stay to make sure Evan was lowered there the day he was buried.  I can't explain why, but I am sure there are others who can relate to how I feel.

Every August until after Christmas is the hardest time for me.  I hope I will be able to enjoy that time of year, like I used to.  Each year gets a little better, a little easier, a little lighter. It will be 4 years this August without Evan.  How we still miss him so much, but grateful that he has such a beautiful marker as a reminder to all who see it...that a beautiful little angel once walked amongst us...

Article about drowning in The Gainesville Sun

I was contacted by our local newspaper about Evan.  Some of my comments are published in the article.  This is a good start to more awareness! http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120504/ARTICLES/120509756?fb_comment_id=fbc_10151052732954968_28386313_10151058774469968