It was a special day

We are now in the gorgeousness that is Sedona, Arizona. Today we went to Selah Carefarm-- a sanctuary for rescued animals and grieving families. Created by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore after the loss of her daughter, Cheyenne. I knew I wanted to visit when I read their values statement:

--We recognize that the death of a child at any age is one of life’s most tragic experiences;

--We honor the sacredness of every member of the family;

--We value integrity, kindness, and respect in all we do;

--We provide mindful, compassionate, and respectful care of others and ourselves;

--We embrace the commitment of lifelong care in the aftermath of a child’s death;

--We foster a healing environment in which individuals, families, and communities may, when ready, experience a sense of hope for the future;

--We recognize the potential in human beings to emerge from their suffering, transformed, ready to help another.

--We promote a non-medicalized, community-based approach to grief including equine therapy with rescue horses, eco therapies through retreats and activities in nature, and mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga.

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We toured the grounds, pausing to talk about the quotes that are scattered throughout or to pet a dog, goat or sheep. We spend time with animals that were traumatized or almost euthanized or about to become someone's dinner. Some were shy, others invited our engagement. All seemed to get that this is a safe place for feelings. We spent time by the creek sitting in the circle of swinging benches talking about Hunter, the guilt we both still feel, the loss of our dreams. We made medallions to place on the wheel of life... there with all the other names of children that have died. We are certainly not alone. This morning before leaving for the farm, Amy and I made prayer ties, crying hard as we placed tobacco into squares of red, yellow, white, and black fabric, praying for forgiveness, grace, an open heart, release, healing, hope. And as we completed our day, we hung our prayer ties on the memorial tree.

It was a special day. The photos tell the story.