Updated at: 09/25/2009 5:50 PM

Print Story  Email to a Friend

Grand Rapids' Angel of Hope

Even though Bobbie McInerney's son, Gary, died 38 years ago, the pain is still fresh.  "We so fought to keep him," said Bobbie.  Born with a heart defect, Gary only lived 3-and-a-half years.  "We were really blessed and we're a different family because of him," said Bobbie.  In the days and years that followed, Bobbie always wanted something better than a graveside to feel close to her son.  It's a feeling shared by many parents who have lost children.  "I just think that there's a lot of people that are still feeling lost," said Bobbie.  She would search until last year, when Margaret Palan told her about the Angel of Hope statue in Perham, Minnesota.

"I've seen the peace and healing that took place with families that had lost a child there," said Palan.  The statue stands about 4 feet tall and is one of only three in the state and 100 in the country.  It's purpose is to give parents a place to remember their children.  It helped Margaret, who lost a baby in early pregnancy 20 years ago.  "At that time, you just went home with nothing," said Margaret, "you don't have a place to go, to be there, to heal."

The place for the statue is an opening overlooking the Mississippi River.  The location was approved by the city council last week and now they will begin fundraising to have the $14,000 statue built.  There are also other costs to design the park.  Margaret and Bobbie have faith that the community will support this project.  "I just believe this designated spot is going to be good for our city," said Bobbie.

To donate to the Grand Rapids Angel of Hope, go to the Grand Rapids Community Area Foundation.