The Compassionate Friends Children’s Memorial Opened In Elmer Thomas Park

Parents whose children have passed away too soon now have a new place to honor them.  The Compassionate Friends' Children's Memorial in Elmer Thomas park opened on Sunday evening before a crowd of several hundred people. 

I was honored to be asked to MC this somber event.  Actually, I was asked exactly one year ago by my dear friend, Gudrun Tendall (Goody), who was a spear-head for the event after the loss of her daughter, Mariah, several years ago.  I was lucky to have known Mariah.  She was a member of our church Youth Group and a special girl.  She was the happiest young woman and a great roll model for the younger kids.  Mariah lost her life at the age of 21 in a tragic car accident on her way back to college.  She will be forever 21 years old.

The Compassionate Friends organization is a group formed as a support system for parents like Goody and Dan Tendall.  This special tribute is dream that has finally come true.  Keynote speaker the memorial opening ceremony, Alan Pedersen knows first hand the pain of losing a child as he too lost a daughter to a car accident.  Pedersen spoke about the park being a place of hope and healing.

The memorial is a special place to remember the children in our lives that have gone too soon.  Bricks can still be purchased at Ken's Pharmacy and at the Oklahoma Blood Institute.