Gwendolyn’s 9th birthday is on October 4th. I can hardly believe our sweet girl would be 9-years-old. In so many ways time has stood still for me. She’s still here so presently in my heart that sometimes I can’t believe the ticking forward. But then a milestone, like her birthday, reminds me how forward life moves. While Gwendolyn’s birthday is still very bittersweet, Bill and I want this day to be a celebration of the incredible little girl who changed our lives. We want her sisters’ to laugh and enjoy this day doing things their big sister also loved to do. We want to give back in her memory in a way that honors Gwendolyn’s remarkable spirit and the legacy she has left behind. And, so many of you have so graciously helped us throughout her life and in her passing accomplish this.
Last year, you all so generously helped us celebrate this day, which was always like a national holiday in our house when Gwendolyn was alive, by donating to “Books for Gwendolyn.” You sent poignant books, beautifully illustrated books, princess books, adventurous books, books about inclusion and disability, books about sisters, silly books… and all of them meant so much to us. To get to open packages to celebrate her birthday month and in our darling book worm’s honor helped us process her recent loss and the profound void. To read your cards and why you selected each book has given me courage and clarity all year long. We kept many for Eleanora and Strong Baby #3 on the way, placing a sticker on the inside cover of each one that designated this book was given in Gwendolyn’s memory and by whom. Your generosity meant we were also able to give some of the duplicates you sent to other families facing a devasting diagnosis or loss, and we continue to send Books for Gwendolyn now. Your gifts also introduced us to many titles we weren’t familiar with before and, because of you, we have since purchased additional copies to give to families in need of encouragement. This project is still in motion — all because of YOU and your loving celebration of Gwendolyn’s birthday with us. Thank you so very, very much!
This year, we are asking something a little bit different. We created this very special “Gwendolyn’s Poem” t-shirt to honor our magical girl and to help all those who love Gwendolyn feel close to her. When I wear her words, I feel like they protect my fragile heart. When I run my fingers over the lettering, I hear her gentle giggle. This shirt feels extra special, a little piece of Gwendolyn, and we hope it does to you, too. And we hope you feel good knowing Gwendolyn’s Poem will be connected to the creation of a long-term legacy project in her honor.
Written by Gwendolyn for a 2nd-grade assignment, “Gwendolyn’s Poem” has become so much more. Her choice of words (which she was very specific about) capture her whimsical and playful personality and gently remind us that her spirit is ever present in all the beauty of the world. This poem is now sacred in our family and helps us feel connected to her extraordinary soul. With the help of acclaimed artist and dear friend, Fred Calleri, “Gwendolyn’s Poem” has now become a piece of art that we can share.
100% of the profits from purchases of this tee will support Gwendolyn’s Memorial Fund and the creation of a lasting legacy of inclusion in Gwendolyn’s memory. This is something we have always wanted to do and we are now ready and in the early stages of planning the building of this project. This is a multi-year and expensive endeavor – but one in which there is a need for all children! It also so very much embodies Gwendolyn’s love of life, sense of wonder, and determination to always be just one of the kids. We can’t share the details just yet (though we are desperate to, especially in honor of Gwendolyn’s birthday), but we will have much more to share about this special project in the coming months. By purchasing Gwendolyn’s Poem Tee (for kids or women) or by donating directly to www.GwendolynFund.com, you are helping to build a permanent legacy in Gwendolyn’s honor.
And, as one last request, please share a photo of you or your child wearing their Gwendolyn Poem tee with #GwendolynStrong so we can celebrate our extraordinary girl together!
Thank you for loving our magical little girl. Your love for Gwendolyn and support for our life with and now without her carries us, heals us, and gives us courage.