There's a very special garden
Where the trees of memory grow
Nurtured by the kindness
And concern that good friends show.
The roots are cherished memories
Of good times in the past
The branches tender promises
That souls endure and last.
It's a place of peace and beauty
Where bright new hopes can start
It's memory's lovely garden
That soothes the hurting heart.
author unknown
Shrewsbury – The public is invited to join Heald & Chiampa in honoring, remembering and celebrating the lives of people from our community Saturday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m.
Family and friends who have experienced a loss are invited to gather at The Sumner House in Shrewsbury town center for a tree planting ceremony. Names of loved ones will be handwritten on a paper heart, attached to a healing wreath and placed around the tree before it is planted. Additional names will be added the day of the ceremony. The tree planting will coincide with the dedication of Heald & Chiampa's Life Celebration Garden, which will be located in the west end of the front yard at the funeral home.
“The garden, which will be an on-going project, will be a place for those who have experienced loss to come and reflect in a quiet and beautiful way,” said James Heald, partner and manager of and resident at the funeral home. “A wonderful book in the funeral home's lending library entitled The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia, PhD tells the story about a leaf named Freddie. The book does a magnificent job of illustrating the balance between life and death and the passing of seasons. The message it delivers has become our inspiration for this healing tree that we are pleased to share with our community.”
Heald & Chiampa is working in partnership with Boylston resident and landscape architect Gigi Desautels of Pine Ridge Design.
“I's so excited and honored to be working on this project,” said Desautels. “The Sumner House is such a town staple and it continues to become a home that draws people's attention. I know the impact a garden like this can have and it will be a special place for reflection.”
James and John Heald and their partner, David Chiampa, all decades-long Shrewsbury residents, took ownership of the historic and prestigious property known as The Sumner House April 15, 2010 and became officially licensed by the Commonwealth to operate on Sept. 28, 2010.
“Since they took ownership of this treasured property it has been brought back to life and is now a beautiful landmark in our town center,” said Amy Kotsopoulos, partner of Arukor Communications and a Shrewsbury resident. “Having witnessed firsthand the work Heald & Chiampa does with families who call upon them, this garden is certain to be a continuation of their impact on our community spirit. We are blessed in this town to have Jim, John and Dave take such a vested interest the families they serve and in beautification and maintenance of our town.”
Those interested in attending should e-mail Jim Heald at [email protected] or call 1-508-842-3700.
