Nothing is more devastating than the loss of a child, and nothing is more noble than coming out the other side of that lose with a burning desire to help others as a tribute to the lost loved one.
So it is for Brookyn and Roy Holtz of Greenwood, who lost their seven-month-old son William in February of 2018.
The additional expenses for a funeral and burial, in addition to all the medical expenses incurred, left the family in a less than stellar financial situation but friends, family and strangers stepped up to lend a hand up in a time of need. July 25, 2017
William had been born on July 25, 2017. Brooklyn said it is easier to list what wasn't wrong with him health wise than to list all of his challenges.
"Basically, he had a serious brain malfunction that affected everything else," said Brooklyn. "Once we got past the denial, we started thinking about life insurance to help meet some of the expenses."
"We only had twelve hours with William after we brought him home from hospice," Brooklyn said.
"We were like 'well....now what are we going to do?'", said Brooklyn. "The community stepped and did so much for us...Roy is a firefighter and they pitched in...his doctor and pediatric nurse even pitched in and paid for the grave opening."
William Kidd "Superman" Holtz was laid to rest at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery beneath a unique floral tribute with a Superman's chest emblem which would later be etched into granite. His parents and older brother Ethan know it's a testament to his superhuman struggle during his short life.
The couple was feeling blessed in the support and comfort they received, and six months later they were walking though the cemetery when Brooklyn found Chelsey.
"We were visiting William's memorial spot, and while I was wandering around the cemetery I saw one of those small, metal markers marking her grave," said Brookyln. "I couldn't stand the thought of that baby being buried there and having nothing to memorialize her life."
Chelsey Hope Clifton was listed on her metal marker as simply being born and having passed in 1993. Twenty-five years without a headstone was more than Brooklyn could bear, and that sparked a realization that a lot of children that have passed might not have memorial headstones due to their families financial situation.
The idea for the Chelsey-N-William Headstone Foundation was born that day. The organization not only got Chelsey her headstone, but they have also placed memorials for eight other individuals in the intervening months.
"We're backlogged", said Brooklyn. "I just got another request yesterday to help a family out. We were able to find a monument company to work with us, and we have a set amount we allow for each memorial. If the family wants anything beyond that they pay the difference. But we cover the basic monument."
Brooklyn says the gratitude and love they receive from the families they help reminds her of the way they felt when others came to their aid, and learning the stories of hope, courage and strength that comes out of heartbreak is all the reward she needs.
'It's not about grief...It's about celebrating the life of these children," said Brooklyn. "It's what we were meant to do as a tribute to Chelsey and William."
Somehow, I think Superman would approve.
(Editors note: If you would like to help the CNW Memorial Foundation you are urged to check them out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CNWHeadstones/, by calling 479-652-3390, by email at cnwheadstonefoundation@gmail.com, or by donating to their Gofundme page at CNW/Headstones.
Our "Stone Garden Foundation" is partnering with CNW on a referral basis. We will step aside and defer the children's memorial to CNW and we will concentrate on adults and monuments needed for gravesites from years ago. We will be releasing more information on the Stone Garden Foundation in the weeks to come.)
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