The Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program collaborated with volunteer Shannon Morris, founder of Falon’s Sprinkle Kindness Walk and Souers Grey, to create a memorial rock garden in Legion Park, Hollidaysburg for families to have a meaningful space to remember loved ones. Community members are invited to add their own memorial rocks to the space.
Healing Patch Coordinator Melody Ray (left) is pictured with Shannon Morris, Healing Patch volunteer and founder of Falon’s Sprinkle Kindness Walk in Legion Park, Hollidaysburg, in the new memorial rock garden.
Falon’s Sprinkle Kindness Walk is a serene path where visitors are encouraged to reflect on the interconnectedness of life and the significance of compassion as they meander through the lush greenery. They may also use the wind phone, a phone disconnected from a physical network that serves as a metaphorical conduit for individuals to pick up the receiver and speak freely to those who are no longer with them, sharing stories, voicing regrets or simply saying goodbye. The wind phone provides a safe space for expression, allowing people to process their grief in their own unique way while fostering a sense of community. It stands as a reminder that grief is a shared human experience, bringing comfort to those who feel isolated in their sorrow.
A memorial rock garden was established as another special addition to the space. Morris recently invited families from the Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program to create memorial rocks in memory of their loved ones. Individuals and families from the community are welcomed to create, weatherproof and add their own memorial rocks to this sacred area of reflection.
“We are grateful for Shannon extending this opportunity for our families to remember their loved ones in this way,” says Melody Ray, Healing Patch coordinator. “Finding tangible ways to connect with loved ones who have died is a valuable part of the grieving process. The memorial rock garden is a quiet, safe space for local families to reflect on memories and treasure the moments that they shared with their special people.”
The Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program began in 2006 as a free peer support program for children and their families who have suffered the loss of a significant person, such as a parent, sibling, grandparent or close family member. Since that time, the program has expanded to support young adults aged 18-25, as well as children in community settings, such as in-school services. Sharing memories and experiences allows grieving individuals to discover that what they are going through is normal and that hope and healing are possible.
Falon’s Sprinkle Kindness Walk is a project created in honor of Falon Morris and supported by The Falon Morris Foundation.
The Healing Patch
The Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program began in 2006 as a free peer support program for children and their families who have suffered the loss of a significant person, such as a parent, sibling, grandparent or close family member. Since that time, the program has expanded to support young adults, as well as children in community settings, such as in-school services and grief resources. Sharing memories and experiences allows grieving individuals to discover that what they are going through is normal and that hope and healing are possible. The Healing Patch is a free service to the community and relies on individual and community donations, grants and fundraising events for support. If you would like to support the Healing Patch by donating or volunteering, please contact us at 1-800-445-6262 or homenursingagency.com. The Home Nursing Agency Foundation is supported by the United Ways of Bedford County and the Southern Alleghenies.
The Falon Morris Foundation
The Falon Morris Foundation is a nonprofit organization that focuses on creating and implementing uplifting initiatives for the community at large. Through these efforts, Falon’s loved ones share her story, her message and the sense of hope she brought to those around her. The organization strives to teach emotional intelligence, empower people to do better and improve the outlook of everyone we interact with. To learn more, visit soeursgrey.com.