Heavenly Angels in Need: Help for Grieving Parents
Few things are more crushing than the death of a child, especially an infant. But when you need them, Heavenly Angels in Need is there to help shoulder the burden.
Some knitting charities touch the heart more than others, and Heavenly Angels in Need is one of them. Although no one likes to think about such things, the reality is that HAIN's craft charity fills an important need: the provision of tiny burial and memorial items for little angels who die far too young.
This article was a difficult one to write, because the purpose of Heavenly Angels in Need can really get to you. But it's a knitting charity that I believe we can all contribute to, which is why I'm including it here.
ALL FOR OUR LITTLE ANGELS
Brian and Mary Glynn founded Heavenly Angels in Need in 2000, in response to their own heartrending losses. From 1993 to 2001, Mary became pregnant five times; she lost two of their babies, and two others were born premature. Today, she and Brian have four healthy children together.
Mary is a longtime knitter, and after the death of her fifth child, Angel, she was inspired to use her own gifts to provide for babies in need. She was more aware than most of the limited resources available to families of preemies, and the sad need for burial garments and other services for little ones who don't make it.
Mary felt guided, at first, only to create clothing for these littlest angels -- but in time, the charity she founded moved on to much more.
HELPING THOSE IN NEED
Today, Heavenly Angels in Need offers a variety of services to families in need. Bereavement counseling for grieving parents, memorial boxes to help families remember the little ones they'd lost, help for indigent children of all ages -- they're all part of the service. As is the provision of tiny coffins, when necessary.
In addition to knitting garments, volunteers for Heavenly Angels in Need crochet and sew items for their charges, from teensy gowns to minuscule caps. Making burial garments to order for babies who have passed away is still a significant function of the organization.
TEARS AND LOVE
It doesn't take much to make a knitted garment for a baby in need, whether that child is a preemie, a child in an underprivileged home, or even a baby who is born "asleep." If you're up to the task, you can learn more at the website of Heavenly Angels in Need.
You can find a variety of knitting and crocheting patterns on the Heavenly Angels in Need website, too. Bright colors are preferred for these tiny items. But remember: these may be the last garments these sweet angels ever need. The love, tears, and good thoughts you weave into them are much more important than the type of yarn you use, or the colors you choose.