Last night was the Angel of Hope ceremony at Landon's cemetery. There were so many families there to remember their children. Everyone was given a teddy bear on their way to their seats. The teddy bears name is Nicolas.

It started off with music and an opening prayer by Rev. Thomas Davidson. Then they welcomed everyone and a poem was read by Christine Ross called "The Angel Cried". She wrote the poem after one of her many visits to the Angel of Hope. It was a beautiful poem, she talked about being there so often and knowing the Angel was watching over all the children, and one day seeing the Angel cry and she realized that all the times it had rained, it was really Angels crying. I know the next time it rains I will be thinking of this poem, and probably every time it begins rain. Then Brad Hansen read "We Remember Them" which we all participated in, then Karin Gunderson sung "Lynnie's Song" by Jana Alayra. After that they had a memorial roll call and white flower presentation. They said every child's name, and every family was given a white rose to place on the Angel of Hope. Then we were all given candles to light, and they turned off the lights in the parking lot so all we could see were the flames from the candles. Karin Gunderson sang "One More Day" by Diamond Rio, and if anyone has every really listened to the words, you'll understand why there were not very many dry eyes. After that was the closing prayer, and then we all read out loud, Prayer of Faith, here are the words...

Prayer of Faith

We trust that beyond the absence;

There is a presence.

That beyond the pain;

There can be healing.

That beyond the brokenness;

There may be peace.

That beyond the hurting;

There may be forgiveness.

That beyond the silence;

There may be a word.

That beyond the word;

There may be understanding.

That through understanding,

There is love.

Then it was over and everyone was able to visit, and we all went to see Landon. We took lots of photos.

This is something that I definitely want to attend every year no matter where we are living, it was a very special way to remember Landon.

The Grandmas, Uncle Jesse, his girlfriend Charlene, and Mommy

The Grandmas and Mommy
Grandma and Grandpa Smith and Mommy
The Grandmas, Grandpa, Uncle Jesse, and Mommy

Landon's grave with our candles

And another

Our candles with all of Landon's Christmas presents

Angel of Hope

Landon's plaque on the wall

Landon's plaque close up

And another

Mommy and the Angel of Hope

Nicolas the Teddy Bear