>The Central Florida Angel of Hope
Who are we?
The Central Florida Angel of Hope is a grass roots mission taken on by a dedicated group of individuals that see a need to have our children’s lives remembered. We are health care professionals, moms and dads, and members of the community who have experienced and understand the struggle of loosing a child. We have come together to erect a statue, The Angel of Hope, in the Central Florida area. The Angel of Hope statue will represent all infants and children who have died.
What is the Angel of Hope?
The Angel of Hope was introduced to the world in the book The Christmas Box, a worldwide bestseller and hit television movie by author Richard Paul Evans. In the book, a woman mourns the loss of her child at the base of an angel monument. Though the story is mostly fiction, the angel monument once existed but is speculated to have been destroyed. The new angel statue was commissioned by Richard Paul Evans, in response to reports that grieving parents were seeking out the angel as a place to grieve and heal. The monument was dedicated on December 6, 1994-corresponding with the date of the child’s death in The Christmas Box (Coincidentally, Dec. 6th is celebrated in many parts of the world as Children’s Day. To see the statue and read more go to: www.richardpaulevans.com/statue.html
What can I do to help make this happen?
We are looking for anyone who is willing to donate his or her time, skills, and knowledge to help bring the Angel of Hope to Central Florida. It’s amazing how many of us are in this “club” of parents who have lost a child. Even if you have never lost a child, but know someone who has, or just want to help, we need you! We need help with fundraising, getting land donated for the angel, and getting the word out to the community. If you are interested in helping please email: cflangels@gmail.com.
Where will the Angel of Hope be located?
We are hoping to get land donated to us. We envision a calm and peaceful place for all to enjoy the beauty of the angel statue. This is a work in progress as we have yet to have land donated. If you have any ideas or connections as to where a good place to put the Angel please let us know.
Why are we doing this?
Our purpose for existing is to provide a physical place for all grieving parents to be able to go, to provide solace and comfort. The angel represents our children who have died. When a child dies, especially in their infancy, we are left with few, if any physical reminders of their existence. We have the need to have the lives our children validated. To have the Angel of Hope erected on public land that is accessible to all is a concrete presence that reminds everyone of our children’s lives.