Guardian Angel By Britto

Famed artist, Romero Britto, created The Guardian Angel in 1988 as an original canvas that depicts an angel watching over a child holding a heart. This captures the strength and vibrancy of all children who face an early and unexpected loss of life.

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Parallel | Touching Lives-Making a Difference Everyday

“We had long awaited Natalie to be a part of our family, and now she was gone. On October 11th, 2005, Natalie Paula Nicole was born stillborn at 7 and 1/2 months. Our world changed in an instant. There was emptiness in our hearts which was unimaginable. When we were given the devastating news that our baby had died, we needed to know why and also began searching for supports simultaneously.

“Natalie was born on a Monday and it was the very next morning that we made a call to Parallel-from the hospital room-to reach out for help from those who had been through this experience before. The first interaction with a return phone call from a representative from Parallel-through the 5 week session support group-our pain was eased because we were amongst people who did indeed cared. They had been through this before. During the weeks before the support group began, I was anxious to start releasing my grief and pain, my husband was anxious because he thought “maybe groups like this are just for the mothers and not for the fathers.” We were proven wrong. My husband surprisingly was very interactive and verbal throughout the meetings of “group.” He quickly became aware that through talking with others in the group that we were not in this alone. This was a time my husband could really hear how I was feeling and saw that it was normal. I was comforted to have my husband there by my side through it all and it gave me a renewed sense of who we were as a couple. We began to look forward to the group meetings each week and recognized we needed this experience.

“We realized that we truly are richer by far to have held our daughter Natalie for a moment then to have never held her at all. We have made some wonderful connections and friends through Parallel. Parallel is a part of our lives and we are so very grateful for its existence. Parallel, thank you for touching so many lives and for letting us share our Natalie with all of you.

Fondly,
Nick, Paula, Nicholas and Olivia Mabe

“Parallel has been very helpful to my daughter and son in law. Parallel provided them with a support group who knew what they were experiencing. As a mother, parallel made me feel less anxious knowing my daughter and son-in-law were getting the help that I couldn't give them.

“The annual service held at parallel's memorial garden in Highland Park is a very moving experience. It is a time and place where everyone understands how our loss has affected our lives.”

Sherry Johnson