TYLER (KYTX) - East Texans who have experienced the loss of a child gather to pay tribute to their loved ones. CBS 19's Amanda Roberson explains how an East Texas organization is helping families cope.
More than 30 year ago, Linda and Bill Hawkins of Jacksonville lost their newborn, Timothy. Now, they're gathered with 'The Compassionate Friends' organization to honor the lives of children that died too soon.
"Bill and I have found out things about each other, how we felt at the time, that we never discussed," Linda explained. "But it helped us in a comfortable setting to discuss that and know that it was ok."
More than 200 kids were remembered through poetry, special readings, songs and a butterfly release, to represent new life.
"We imagine our children as new creations in Heaven, free and happy and fluttering around like a butterfly," explained Dr. Sam Smith. He lost his 16 year old daughter, Stacy, in 1988.
Dr. Smith said TCF does more than help families grieve. "It gives me a place to keep Stacy's memory and name alive. That's really important to anybody that's lost a child. You don't want anybody to forget she was here."
The Hawkins agree, and said watching the monarch butterfly take flight gives them hope. "Just gives me a feeling of freedom that God is there, our son is there waiting us with open arms and it'll be wonderful. It really will."
TCF of Tyler and Jacksonville are part of a national organization. Monthly support meetings are held across East Texas. More information on the group can be found at http://www.compassionatefriends.org/home.aspx.
