Heartfelt Children's Memorial to be dedicated on Concordia's campus

Published by Concordia University, Nebraska 8 years ago on Fri, May 15, 2015 11:09 AM
The Heartfelt Children’s Memorial will be dedicated at 2 p.m. on May 31, 2015, in Seward, Nebraska.

Heartfelt Incorporated invites the public to the dedication of the Heartfelt Children’s Memorial at 2 p.m. on May 31, 2015, to remember children who have passed away and honor their families. The memorial site is located at the intersection of North Columbia Ave. and Hillcrest Drive, the northwest corner of Concordia’s campus in Seward, Nebraska.

“The memorial is joining the community and the college and honoring those children who are no longer with us,” said Sharon Dickinson, treasurer of Heartfelt Inc., a grief support group based in Seward, Nebraska, for parents who have experienced the death of a child.

The memorial centers around three walls with engraved memorial bricks in memory of more than 200 children from not only Seward, but also several other states and one from Croatia.

The dedication will feature addresses from both Heartfelt and Concordia representatives, including President of Heartfelt Inc. Diane Krieser, Concordia President Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich and Concordia Assistant Professor of Theology Terence Groth. The names of all the children honored on the brick wall will be read aloud, and the dedication will end with a balloon release.

“What a beautiful place to have their child remembered,” Krieser said.

The memorial features a 14- by 12-foot sculpture called “The Light,” created by Concordia’s Assistant Professor of Art Joshua Smith.

Another feature of the memorial includes a wall with a “life tile” moving picture mural created by artist Rufus Seder in Boston, Massachusetts, to show scenes of children running with butterflies flying through the picture.

According to heartfeltseward.org, the memorial is “a place to seek hope and peace while reflecting on a loved one’s life.”

“We bury our children in a cemetery, and they’re kind of all alone. But here, they are all together,” said Dickinson.

About Heartfelt Incorporated

Heartfelt Incorporated is a non-denominational grief support group for parents who have experienced the death of a child. This group is facilitated by qualified volunteers and professionals. Heartfelt offers support and confidentiality, and it promotes healthy grieving and recovery. It is a place for parents to share experience, seek information and offer support to each other.