Lily at Gabriel's Garden

"A tiny flower, lent not given, to bud on earth and bloom in Heaven."

The lovely Catherine from Gabriel's Garden picks flowers in honor and memory of babies of Heaven and photographs them for free at a botanical garden in Southern California. Each flower is picked to represent one special child. She started doing this after losing her precious son Gabriel on July 19th of this year.

As Catherine says on her website, "The flowers are photographed so parents can forever be reminded of their child's everlasting beauty."

Everyone is able to request the kind of flower they would prefer, so of course I requested roses and lilies. :) Catherine picked a Peruvian Lily and a Pink Rose and photographed them for me. You are able to request a specific quote, phrase, Scripture verse, etc to be added to your photo. I asked for one of my favorite Scriptures:

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." ~Philippians 1:3

After the lovely flowers are "picked with a prayer" and photographed, they are released on the seashore of Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, California. The ocean waves wash them away. Catherine writes, "...this is a beautiful reminder that though we cannot see our children, we can be certain that wherever they are, they are surely free!" She will be sending me photos of this release soon! :)

Catherine also says on her website, "Flowers remind us that every living thing has a season and a purpose and that no life is without both."

Everyone I know who has lost a baby loves when other people remember them with us. It is amazing to see Lily's name written out and to know others are thinking of her and loving her. That is why Catherine started Gabriel's Garden, to help other babyloss mothers and tell Gabriel's story. She says doing this is healing for her and an honor.

Catherine, you are so sweet for what you are doing for this community. Thank you so much.

Request your flower from Gabriel's Garden by clicking here. And be sure to follow Gabriel's Garden on facebook!