Angel Wings - Memorial Boutique

Hosea Scott Lee

2012-01-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

Roy C. Stapp V

2012-01-23T06:14:00.001-08:00

Change

2012-01-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

Commencing January 12, 2012 a $10.00 donation is requested for wings requested to be mailed out. This is strictly to cover materials and postage.

I will continue to email a personalized JPEG for each request.

I will continue to post the photo, with your Angel's name, on the Angel Wings Memorial Boutique and send each request the link.

Thank you all for your support. Although it saddens me that I am unable to continue to mail out each pair of Angel Wings as a gift, with your small contribution, I am truly grateful to continue to offer some small comfort to other grieving families.

Thank you and peaceful healing.

choosing Somewhere

2012-01-11T11:06:00.000-08:00

As I said before, I have been thinking about entering a local writing competition. The following is what I have come up with and wanted your opinions! It is from a post back in April 2009 - 5 months after losing Nicholas. I have rearranged it slightly... added and tweaked.

What do you think?

Choosing Somewhere

There have been many things in my life that I have been fearful of. When I was young and in grade school, I was extremely self-conscious. I would physically get sick if I was requested to answer a question in front of the entire class. I would convince myself that I was going to mess up, or worse, get the answer entirely wrong. As I matured and experienced more and more impressionable life lessons I became more confident. I came a long, long way from being the insecure, afraid little girl I was. And then my son died.

Back then, challenging my fear was not something I wanted to do, but if I wanted to do well in school, I had to conquer that fear. At the time I didn't realize the subtle things I was learning by pushing myself and expanding my comfort zone. I didn't know that my confidence would grow, propelling me to take risks in other areas of my life. The lesson I learned was that in order to get “somewhere you had to leave nowhere behind”.

After Nicholas died I found myself living in 'nowhere' land. That was fine with me. My comfort zone had been shattered, my world had stopped. We were forced to take this unwanted journey through grief. Initially, the pain could be so intense and so powerful it threatened to dissolve the soul.
Nowhere land was just fine for a while. I wanted to stay there for a long time. Nowhere became very comfortable...and somewhere was not a place I wanted to go.

There are still days I find myself not wanting to go somewhere… still days when the heaviness in my heart outweighs the joys. The comfort of nowhere is enticing at times. It’s familiar. It’s safe. But it’s not where I want to be. Somewhere along the way I made the decision to challenge myself – confidently answering a question in front of the class – so to speak. I chose to go somewhere and it’s taken me to places I never could have imagined.

Early in our journey I remember thinking that anywhere is better than nowhere. I was so tired of feeling sad and helpless all of the time. It was after recognizing that anywhere is better than nowhere that I felt some healing begin. There were many days when I was terrified of where somewhere would take me. The unknown is distressing. The waiting, close to unbearable.

Grief is dreadful stuff. Grief has pounded me, tortured me, exhausted me and collapsed my very soul. It never ceases to amaze me the strength and tenacity of the Human Spirit. After experiencing the unimaginable I somehow manage to keep breathing, somehow I manage to exist, somehow I have managed to grow from such devastation.

I was terrified that choosing to go ‘somewhere’ meant leaving Nicholas behind - now I know that is the furthest from the truth. He has travelled with me to 'somewhere'. He has allowed me to get there. He has helped me get back up when I’ve stumbled along the way. I chose to acknowledge my pain, confront it and slowly the pain lessened. The past three years have been intense, unpredictable and full of unimaginable grief, but they have also been filled with hope, inspiration and an incredible amount of healing. Nicholas has enriched our family with an energy and infinite love that is beyond comprehension.

There is an indomitable strength and spirit that now resides in my heart. A desire to comfort and support others that have been forced to travel this journey of forever grieving their babies; one where I have walked and wept. It is the intrinsic need to express my immeasurable love for my youngest son in a positive and tangible way. To keep his memory alive. To help his legacy soar. This desire is deep in my bones. It pumps through my soul and it bleeds through the work I create in honour of Nicholas. Offering my love and true understanding to others empowers me and has allowed me to reach an incredible strength within. A strength that can hopefully make a difference in someone else’s time of need.

Choosing to go “somewhere and to leave nowhere behind" is a constant struggle. Grief, hope, sadness, love… will always co-mingle in my heart. But I will continue to fight. I will continue to reach out to others. I will continue to honour my son with all that I am.

Luke Shiloh

2012-01-09T11:04:00.000-08:00

Nevaeh Navi & Atrayue Alexander

2012-01-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

Madison Elizabeth

2012-01-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

Joshua

2012-01-09T10:58:00.001-08:00

Hannah Elizabeth Hensley

2012-01-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

Alex Stafford

2012-01-09T10:54:00.000-08:00

Tessa Jean

2012-01-09T10:52:00.001-08:00

Ezekiel Alexander

2012-01-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

Hunter Grace

2012-01-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

Gracie

2012-01-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

Can't Keep Up......

2012-01-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

I have had to make a very difficult decision. Financially I am unable to keep up with Angel Wing requests. To date I have created and posted over 600 pairs of Angel Wings. As you can imagine, the materials and the postage add up quickly. It saddens me to realize that I am unable to continue to offer this incredible comfort to grieving parents as a gift.

I have been humbled by several generous donations in the past, however, they are minimal and I seem to exhaust the contributions on a wing by wing basis.

My thought is to continue to offer these special Angel Wings at a small cost.

As my loyal followers, I would love some feedback.

All my love,
Lea

Lani Sharon

2011-12-15T11:12:00.000-08:00

Aubrey Skye Dahlke

2011-12-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

Bryson Floyd

2011-12-15T10:59:00.000-08:00

Mollie Grace

2011-12-15T10:57:00.000-08:00

Jayden Lee

2011-12-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

Aidyn Clare

2011-12-15T10:53:00.000-08:00

Indie Abbey-Rose

2011-12-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

Lyla Emelynn

2011-12-15T10:43:00.000-08:00

Minter Everette

2011-12-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

Deakon Taggart Bartlett

2011-12-15T10:35:00.000-08:00

Avery and Samuel James

2011-11-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

Baby Sabrowske

2011-11-16T11:01:00.001-08:00

Alexis "Lexi" Jade

2011-11-16T10:58:00.000-08:00

Adrienne Mae

2011-11-16T10:55:00.000-08:00

Lainey Jay Hughes

2011-11-16T10:51:00.001-08:00

Christiana Marie

2011-11-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

Comfort Boxes - in Honour of Nicholas

2011-11-10T09:50:00.001-08:00

Our evening of putting together the Comfort Boxes for the hospital was truly magical. A special evening spent with some very special women. Thank you to Franchesca for the postcards shown on top of the boxes... beautiful. Here are how they turned out....

The tag placed just inside the box reads : Lovingly donated in memory of Nicholas Warren Reeves

Your Nana and I delivered them to the hospital today ~ on your birthday. What a truly moving and memorable visit. We were able to meet some very important and special people and share with them our initiative for the Comfort Boxes. I am wholeheartedly overwhelmed with the response of love and support. Most importantly, I am filled with bittersweet, beautiful memories of you, sweet boy ~ your tiny, gorgeous life has allowed us to touch so many more. Your memory soars. Your legacy flies....

Lukah Emmanuel

2011-11-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

Evelyn "Evie" Hope

2011-11-01T04:53:00.000-07:00

Jake Michael Hansen

2011-10-31T11:36:00.001-07:00

Ryder Joe Flores

2011-10-31T11:33:00.000-07:00

Audrina Mae

2011-10-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

Mommy's Little Angel

2011-10-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

Stevy

2011-10-31T11:25:00.001-07:00

CHANGE ~ Nicholas' Race and Remembrance

2011-10-28T10:22:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Sadly, we have been informed that the Dirty Duathalon that we were planning on participating in to commemorate Nicholas' 3rd Angel Day, has been rescheduled from November 5, 2011 to November 12, 2011. After considerable consideration "Team Nicholas" has decided that we are unable to attend the event due to the change of date. Many schedules and functions were changed in order for all to participate on November 5th and we are unable to change our plans at such short notice.

In the beginning I was devastated with this news. The Duathalon has always been such a strong, positive focus and a memorable day for our family. I couldn't imagine not having it to look forward to this year. However, after some soul searching and conversations with some awesome, supportive friends and family we have decided that this change in plans is a blessing in disguise.

We are now planning our own "Team Nicholas" Run/Walk/Stroll which will commence at the Gazebo at Fairy Lake in Newmarket. We will make our way through the pretty trails and end up back at the Gazebo where we will release several balloons to the sky...

We invite everyone (big and small - kids are more than welcome in strollers, wagons, scooters, etc.) to join us for a beautiful, peaceful and meaningful journey through the trails of Fairy Lake as we honour and remember our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, Nicholas Warren Reeves.

After our adventure we will gather at our home ~ 455 Heddle Crescent, Newmarket ~ for lunch and birthday treats.

I truly believe that this change happened for a reason. We are looking forward to a blessed day with many family and friends.

We hope to see you there!

Where - Meet at Gazebo, Fairy Lake, Newmarket, Ontario
When - Saturday, November 5, 2011
Time - 11 am
RSVP - Leanna ~ lcreeves3@hotmail.com

Lunch and refreshments to follow at the Reeves' House ~ 455 Heddle Crescent, Newmarket

Much Love,
Leanna, Jim, Evan, Kyle, Madison ... Remembering Nicholas

Payton Matthew "the bug"

2011-10-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

Aiden James Reed

2011-10-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

Blake Steven & Bradyn Ray

2011-10-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

Gabriel Andrew

2011-10-06T10:36:00.001-07:00

Owen Matthew Peters

2011-10-06T10:33:00.001-07:00

Nicholas' 3rd Angel Day ~ Race and Remembrance

2011-10-05T11:04:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,
It’s hard to believe that we are approaching Nicholas’ 3rd Angel Day. The past three years have been intense, unpredictable and full of unimaginable grief, but they have also been filled with hope, inspiration and an incredible amount of healing. Although it is painful to not have Nicholas here with us, his spirit and his legacy have infused our family with indomitable strength and immeasurable love over the past 3 years. We remember him often, we honour him daily, we love him unconditionally. He is forever a part of our hearts and our souls.
Many of you will remember that for the past two years, on or around November 7th, our dear friends, Marcus and Meagan Olson participate in a duathalon in honour of our baby boy. The experiences we have witnessed on these days have been truly beautiful and perfect. We are so thankful to have such a wonderful and positive focus on a day that is extremely emotional for our family. This year, on November 5, 2011, we will again be participating in the same duathalon and dedicating the day to Nicholas. We are very blessed to have such a wonderful support system.
This year we would like to invite anyone who is interested in being a part of “Team Nicholas” to participate. Marcus will be racing in the long (3.8K Run – 10K Bike – 3.8K Run) course. There is also a short (short (1.9k Run-5k Bike-1.9k Run) course for those who are interested.
The duathalon will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at Sir Sanford Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario. The course is completely off road and is a mix of single track and open trails. If you are interested in participating please contact myself or Marc and Meagan directly. There is certainly power in numbers and we look forward to another inspiring day!
The following link will direct you to the Dirty Duathalon website – for registration and information.
http://runnerslife.ca/xnew/html/modules/newbbex/viewtopic.php?topic_id=2956&forum=1&post_id=10385#forumpost10385
Last year we invited family and friends to donate to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Southlake Regional Health Center in honour of Nicholas. We were overwhelmed with the response and humbled to be able to contribute to such an important initiative in Nicholas’ name.
This year, we have another vision to celebrate and honour Nicholas. Jim, Evan, Kyle, Madison and I, along with some very generous friends and family, will be creating some special Hospital Memory/Comfort Boxes for the labour and delivery ward of our local hospital. During the past 3 years I have been fortunate enough to meet and support some extraordinary parents who are suffering the loss of their babies. It is my understanding and my experience that not too much exists in terms of tangible care and support when you are forced to leave the hospital with empty arms.
It is our hope to provide items in these packages to newly bereaved parents that may help in memorializing their babies. When parents are forced to face the unimaginable; saying goodbye to their children, tangible things such as pictures and hand/footprints aren’t often thought about until it’s too late. Our goal is to offer comforting options... options that are not typically thought of in the fresh stages of grief.
Our Memory/Comfort Boxes will include the following:
• Tea light
• Journal & pen
• Angel Wings
• Small blankets
• Small knit hats
• Disposable cameras
• Water soluble ink pad and paper for hand/footprints
• Poems and support information

Jim, Evan, Kyle, Madison and I would like to invite you to support “Team Nicholas” in honour of our son, Nicholas Warren Reeves, this November 5, 2011.
By donating any of the above items for our Memory/Comfort Boxes or by visiting the Angel Wings Memorial Boutique (http://angelwingsmemorialboutique.blogspot.com) and donating via PayPal you will be helping us to celebrate Nicholas’ life, honouring his memory and supporting newly bereaved parents in creating precious memories of their children.
I would also like to take the opportunity to introduce you to a dear friend and fellow grieving mother, Caroline. Caroline said goodbye to her second son, James, at Southlake Regional Health Center on January 20, 2011. Caroline has become a beautiful friend and is offering her time and her heart to this wonderful cause. It is because of our friendship and her support that we dedicate the Memory/Comfort Boxes in James’ name as well as Nicholas. I am certain that they are magical friends in the clouds.
We thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for taking the time to consider remembering our precious Nicholas in such a special way.
If you are interested in donating items for our Memory/Comfort Boxes OR if you are interested in contributing a monetary gift to help in purchasing the items for the boxes via PayPal please visit the following link (http://angelwingsmemorialboutique.blogspot.com). There is a “donate” button on the left panel. Please be sure to indicate your donation is for the Memory/Comfort Boxes.
Or, you may contact me directly.
lcreeves3@hotmail.com
905-967-1274
455 Heddle Cres
Newmarket, ON
L3X 2J4
As we hope to deliver the boxes on November 7th, 2011, donations would be appreciated by October 21st, 2011. This will give us 2 weeks to create these special memoirs. Thank you so much.
Every donation provides hope. Every gift is precious.

With Love and Gratitude,
Marcus, Meagan, Noah and Finnley Olson
&
Leanna, Jim ,Evan, Kyle, Madison and Angel Baby Nicholas Reeves

“I would rather have had one breath of his hair, one kiss of his mouth,
one touch of his hand, than an eternity without it…”

Kaleb Bryan

2011-09-14T11:00:00.001-07:00

Elise Renee

2011-09-14T10:59:00.005-07:00

James Thomas Galanti-Smith

2011-09-14T10:59:00.003-07:00

Kaylee Ann Rose

2011-09-14T10:59:00.001-07:00

Liberty John ~ Elijah Lee ~ Eden Sky ~ Journey Peace

2011-09-14T10:58:00.004-07:00

Aeidan Anthony

2011-09-14T10:58:00.003-07:00

Hope Joi and Alexis Antonette

2011-09-14T10:58:00.001-07:00

Alvaro Espinoza

2011-08-23T16:16:00.000-07:00

Olivia

2011-08-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

Justice Miles "J"

2011-08-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Areila Indigo Aeleane

2011-08-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

Yazmine Alliyah

2011-08-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

Angel Baby Barks

2011-07-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

Amanda Faith

2011-07-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

Drema's beloved daughter

Matthew Wallace

2011-07-21T17:41:00.000-07:00

Alicia's precious son

Olivia Sky

2011-07-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

Bianca's Girl

Dakota Blakely

2011-07-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

Amber's Sweet Boy

Annaliese Campana

2011-07-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

Rachel's Princess

Wyatt Jaxson

2011-07-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Dana's Babe

Hope and Faith Flowers

2011-07-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

Jackie's Angel Girls

Catherine Rose

2011-07-21T17:17:00.000-07:00

Rebecca's Sweetheart

Gaelen Evangeline

2011-06-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Charles

2011-06-29T10:47:00.001-07:00

Jennifer's Sweet Baby Boy

Brent Alexandre

2011-06-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

April's Son

William Jacob Whynot

2011-06-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

Ashley's Boy

Postal Strike

2011-06-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I am looking forward to getting some much anticipated Angel Wings out shortly! There is currently a Postal Strike here, in Canada.... therefore, I have been unable to mail anything for the past couple of weeks. Hoping they reach a deal soon! Stay tuned and thank you all for your patience.

Lea xo

Laron Clay

2011-06-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

Kaci's Boy

Savannah Nicole

2011-06-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

Chelsea's Baby Girl

Bradley

2011-06-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

Suzanne's Son

Elliot Roger

2011-06-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Stacy's Angel

Victor George and Damien Connor

2011-06-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

Vicki's Sweet Boys

Infant/Pregnancy Loss Memorial

2011-05-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

For those of you who don't follow Nicholas' Touch I wanted to share a post from a few days ago in hopes of comforting anyone reading. I attended and spoke at a local Infant/Pregnancy Loss Memorial. The following is my part of the service.

The Memorial

Love to you all. xo

Daniel Raymond

2011-05-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

Franki and Paul's Son

Silas Max

2011-05-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

Shaina's Sweet Boy

Malik Zachariah and Donchea Dion

2011-05-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

Julie's Boys

Chase Gabriel

2011-05-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

Melissa's Rainbow

Denver Scott

2011-05-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

Brittany's Boy

Anna Faye and Claire Virginia

2011-05-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Shannon's Angel Girls

Alexzander Jay

2011-05-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

Ziva Lynn

2011-05-18T07:46:00.000-07:00

Carrie's Baby Girl

Tezia Calleigh

2011-05-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Trish's Precious Girl

Bryson Gordon Anthony

2011-05-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

Krista's Brave Baby Boy

Reece Michael

2011-05-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

For Reece's Mommy

Jeremy Michael

2011-05-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

Roberta's Son

Ella Sophia

2011-05-11T11:41:00.001-07:00

Elizabeth's Baby Girl

Lewis Anthony Paxton Moore

2011-05-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

Ingrid's Angel Boy

Ailynn

2011-05-11T11:33:00.001-07:00

Amanda's Baby Girl

Jackilynn Rainn

2011-05-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

Victoria's Sweetheart

Bristol Willow Grace

2011-04-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

Lisa's Baby Girl

Hyatt Ashley Ray

2011-04-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Jade's Sweet Baby

Noah Ray

2011-04-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Jessica's Boy

Amena Diel

2011-04-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

Tasha's Princess

Payton

2011-04-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Kylie Rose

2011-04-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

Michelle's Baby Girl