Santa Maria Sun / Letter To The Editor

Thanks for caring

Suzanne "Sam" de St. Jean

For last week’s edition, the Angel of Hope Ministry thanks you, the Sun, and Intern Writer Frank Gonzales, for highlighting our ministry and our annual memorial service at the Santa Maria Cemetery (“Angel of Hope Memorial,” Nov. 29).

Despite the rain, we also thank the many families who attended the service in memory of their children who died before or after birth with bricks placed at our angel. A special thanks to Pastor Paul Berry from Calvary Chapel who comes to the memorial every year to give us a blessing. His words were inspirational and touching. We sincerely appreciate the women who spoke about their loss and how this memorial and angel gives them peace.

White carnations were given to the families to place in the arms of the angel or at her feet. Families were also given a keepsake memorial booklet with the names of the children who were lost. If you were unable to make the memorial and want a memorial keepsake booklet mailed to you or more information about the Angel of Hope, please call Calvary Chapel at 922-1822.

We also thank the members of our church and the community who purchased raffle tickets to help raise funds to keep the Angel of Hope Ministry operating. By sharing our story, we know the Sun cares about our community.