BRUNSWICK, Maine — A place for families to grieve and celebrate the lives of children lost too soon is scheduled to be unveiled Sunday.
Midcoast-based nonprofit Madeline's Mission, named for a 4-year-old girl who died after a battle with a brain tumor, worked several years to plan and create a children's memorial garden.
Located on the grounds of the Parkview Campus of Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, the hope is that the peaceful space will help families heal and honor the memories of their children.
Aime Marzen's daughter, Madeline, would have turned 11 years old in August. She died at age 4 from an inoperable brain tumor.
Amie channeled her grief into a nonprofit in her daughter's honor. Madeline's Mission provides support and community for grieving families.
Aime's vision of creating a peaceful healing space for families outside a cemetery setting is coming to life on the banks of a pond on Mid Coast Hospital's Parkview campus. Hundreds of bulbs and flowers planted throughout the space also have a deeper meaning.
"There are some, like a bleeding heart, on the nose of what we are trying to do here," Marzen explained.
The centerpiece of the children's memorial garden under the towering pine trees is more than two dozen bronze and sterling silver custom butterflies fabricated and affixed to a granite base, each personalized in memory of a child lost too soon. There is room to add more butterflies in the future.
"Just seeing the butterflies altogether is impactful. It shows these bereaved parents are not alone in their loss," Marzen said quietly.
The garden features a whimsical metal sculpture by a Maine artist of a bee on a red flower. There is also a lending library box filled with children's books and bubbles.
Aime, who has a 4-year-old girl and a 7-year-old son, wanted to create a space where siblings can heal more positively. Thanks to many donations from throughout the community, a much-needed and welcoming place for families and loved ones who lost a child at any age is now a reality.
"We can add a butterfly and say their name and make sure they are never forgotten," Marzen explained.
The garden will continue to be nurtured and expanded over time, providing families hope and community despite heartbreaking loss.
The children's memorial garden will be unveiled at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Parkview Health Campus. It is also Bereaved Mother's Day, honoring mothers whose children have passed.