❤ Donna Roberts – FORMER EPA2 TEEN ❤
“Although it’s been about five and a half years since I lost my father, I am reminded of him and his love for me every single day. My dad was a racecar driver, and he worked on his car out in our garage. We have sold the car since, but we still have his tools and equipment. He was one of those guys who could fix anything, so in our home, I see the new faucet he put in, the floors he installed, and the closet that has his clothes still intact.
“I also see his truck in the driveway that we still drive sometimes. I can drive down the street to the local cemetery to visit him and say hello whenever I want. We also have a table in the front room that has a folded flag, along with all of the special mementos I have received from my dad and projects I made at Ele’s Place Ann Arbor that remind me of my dad.
“One Valentine’s Day, my father gave me a wonderful stuffed animal that he helped me name. I loved her so much then, and I still love her, for she continues to help me feel connected to my father. Another thing that helps me stay connected to my father is Ele’s Place Ann Arbor, as that’s where I learned to keep the memory of my dad alive in my heart, as well as to help others do the same for the person who they lost. At Ele’s Place Ann Arbor, I was able to connect to others my age – meeting peers who have had similar losses to mine helped me put my own grief into perspective by seeing that I AM NOT ALONE.
“I have, unfortunately, aged out of Ele’s Place because I’m no longer a teen. However, I am grateful to be able to participate in Ele’s Place Ann Arbor fundraisers and contribute to events, in whatever way I can. I love being a part of this tremendously wonderful organization.” ❤
Donna Roberts, thank YOU for sharing your little heart stories throughout the month of April! We are grateful for YOU – YOU fill the HEART of Ele’s Place Ann Arbor. ❤
❤ Donna Roberts – FORMER EPA2 TEEN ❤
“The most vivid day I remember with my father, was his last. It started out as a wonderful day…it was snow day from school AND, it was my dad’s birthday. I remember being so happy to spend time with him. The weekend before I baked him a wonderful cake that he told me looked delicious, and I had all his presents wrapped and ready. It was also Christmas time, so I wanted to bake Christmas cookies, but we were short on ingredients. My dad drove me to the grocery store to get some supplies, and I am so thankful for that trip, as it was the last thing I ever did with him.
“We returned home from the store, my family came over, and then I went upstairs to play Barbie dolls with my cousin. Before we got to cake and presents, my father had a massive heart attack and passed away. My father was a very healthy man – never ever sick or unhealthy, in fact, he was even a racecar driver. I remember feeling…in shock, in a dream-like state, and being remorseful for my mom, myself, my aunt, and my dad’s twin sister – it was her birthday that day as well! I remember going to bed, waking up, and hoping that the day before was a dream, but then I looked at my mom and realized it was unfortunately not a dream. I was so thankful for my community from my golf team, dance team, church, and school friends who were there to give me support during that incredibly difficult time. For the next few months, every day seemed numb, trying to step up, because now it was just my mom and me.
“Thankfully, my mom found a wonderful healing center where she and I could go to process our grief – Ele’s Place Ann Arbor! I remember thinking how much wanted to attend, because my mom told me about it and said I WOULDN’T BE ALONE. I was happy that at Ele’s Place I was a part of a group and surrounded by other teens my age who had a similar loss to mine. I did not want to feel singled out or alone through the grieving process, I was excited to be able to go there.
“Without Ele’s Place Ann Arbor, I would have a lot less emotional control, and I would not be able to talk about my father like I am right now. Furthermore, I would not have had anything to look forward to for quite some time. I really enjoyed coming each week to see my peers, who became my friends, and to be with my wonderful, perfect facilitators, whom I cannot say enough amazing things about. I wouldn’t have met some wonderful people who have truly changed me for the better.” ❤
From Stories from the Heart, Ele’s Place Ann Arbor.
