Footprints Remembering Day
The first ever Footprints Remembering Day was always going to be a special one. It was something that both Sharon and Suzie had felt passionately about doing since they first talked about and began to plan their ideas for Footprints Charity.
But it has to be said, that the day was just as they had hoped and more. It was a really special and meaningful day, a lovely way to honour the memory of all our babies… those of the families that were there but also those that couldn’t make it to the event.
Thanks to IBB Law in Reading we were able to meet in a lovely, cosy space with big views over the Reading sky lines. As everyone arrived they were able to write their baby or babies names on little footprints and take their tea light candles.
The more formal remembering time was emotional but beautiful. Three heart-rendering poems were read by volunteer Jay, Suzie’s thirteen year old son, Olly, and one of our Dads, Jake. Millie Cann, Founder of the Skye High Foundation, spoke of her personal experience of her twin pregnancy and how dealing with the death of Skye whilst managing having her surviving baby, Callie, on the NICU inspired her to set up her charity.
Suzie’s friend Victoria (accompanied by Bryan and Ruby on the guitar and keyboard) sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Tears in Heaven and See You Again whilst we all came to the front with our candles and took a moment to remember our precious children, gone too soon.
We finished the service with all the children there, surviving twins and triplets and siblings, blowing bubbles (and many adults!). It was a memorable and fitting sight, seeing the room full of little bubbles. Although a little more light-hearted, it also felt like a really special and fitting tribute to all the Footprints babies.
After this part of the day, we enjoyed lots of chatting over cups of tea, sandwiches and cakes. A special mention to one of our volunteers Kristie who made her amazing pink and blue ‘Footprints’ cupcakes for us again. Thank you also to our other volunteers who came along and helped set up and clear away at the end. Shimona, Jeanne, Jay, Colette and Louise, it was lovely to have you all there.
We had a mix of little activities going on around the room which were also really special… thank you to Colette’s daughter DeeDee for making the wonderful pink and blue pinwheels. We had a floral heart which ended up as a beautiful patchwork of flowers, plus the amazing knitted footprints that Sharon’s mum so kindly and lovingly made for everyone. Thank you Sue.
It is often hard to find the right language to describe these moments when we can get together in person like we did for our Remembering Day. There was a feeling of warmth, unity and strength among us and it really did feel special to be there, to understand each other and to be able to support each other.
This is now an annual event and our next Remembrance event is on Sun 11th Oct at Stratford-upon-Avon.
