Thanks to all who participated in Project: Remember Rowan on December 16th. We had such a good feeling from sharing our acts of kindness that we plan to continue leaving surprises on any day. We hope that you will join us..
When we think about why we created, and have continued with, Rowan’s website, a number of reasons come to mind:
- We want to prevent a tragedy like ours from happening to another family, because we feel an obligation to do our part
- We want to ensure the narrative of Rowan’s life doesn’t change based on a person’s need to feel safe, or a hospital’s need to hide
- We want the doctors to be held accountable for their actions, because no one in our society should be exempt from responsibility
- We want to create a lasting document, so our daughter will know her own story
- We want to share our sadness, because we are bereft, and sadness will always be a part of our very being
- We want to share our anger, because our parental voice was ignored and our son wasn’t seen
- We want to share our happiness, because we have wonderful memories with Rowan
- We want to share our love for Rowan, because it is too immense to keep quiet
But most of all, this website exists because we want to share Rowan. We want to share Rowan, and the part he plays in our family. We want people to know Rowan, and the joy he brought to our world. We want people to see that Rowan was alive and energetic, and that he brought happiness to each and every moment.
We want people to see. That Rowan was a person whose presence was grand. That Rowan was happy, and energetic, and curious, and growing. Each and every moment that we were honored with his presence.
We want people to feel. A bit of the joy that Rowan brought to strangers and friends, every day.
So this year, on the Anniversary of Rowan’s death, we ask you to take part. Take part in an act of kindness, and take part in sharing Rowan’s LIFE.
We will be delivering treats, with kindness cards attached, all around the places Rowan knew and places that he might have gone. But we know that we can’t do it alone, and we would love your help.
If it were up to Rowan, he would have said “Hi!” to everyone in the whole world. We would love to give him the chance to say “Hi”. “Hi” to the places he might have gone. “Hi” to the people who might have known him.
“Hi, Hi, Hi!”
If you choose to take part, here are links to Rowan’s kindness cards:
Tiny: New kindness cards – tiny (1.2×2)
Small: New kindness cards – small (1.5×3)
Medium: New kindness cards – (credit card size)
Large: New kindness cards – large (half page)
Most kids have a lifetime of chances to make their mark in this world. Rowan’s chance is now. Please join us in sharing Rowan’s LIFE.
If you would like to be included in our map, please post your plans to: rowansmile2@gmail.com
With Rowan in our hearts..
(Thank you so much for the photos. We are sorry that we can’t post them all, but we picked a few of our favorites to share..)
Thank you Expressive Arts San Diego for this huge display! (Walk down Thorn St and say “Hi!” to Rowan, now through Dec 16) http://www.expressiveartssandiego.com
-
- crayons ready for delivery in Miami, FLORIDA. Thank you! Rowan had a passion for art that made any afternoon so much fun!
-
- candy canes ready for delivery in San Diego. Thank you! Rowan loved almost anything edible, and was adamant about keeping his candy canes until the very last lick. 🙂
-
- Thank you, Ft Lauderdale, Florida! Rowan would love to see the smiles of the kids that receive these.
-
- Thank you, Barcelona, SPAIN! (And for translating Rowan’s story). We are looking forward to seeing the photos of the children finding these books.
-
- Bubbles at our of Rowan’s favorite parks. Rowan could spend all day in that swing, he loved it so much!
-
- Treats at a pool in San Diego. I remember many summer days swimming with Rowan and his big sister
-
- What a wonderfully unique idea! (Thanks Expressive Arts)
-
- Thank you, Salamanca, Spain. The children in this class not only received crayons, they drew their own pictures to celebrate Rowan
-
- Thank you, San Diego, California. Rowan loved to do the elephant sign, and I suspect they may have been his favorite animal
-
- smiley chocolate lollipops delivered in Alyth, SCOTLAND. No need to explain how this reminds us of Rowan.
what a cute idea from Expressive Arts!
What a beautiful expression of your love of your son. You can feel his life expression continue on, alive through you. Blessed be.
What a beautiful expression of love for your son. You can feel Rowan’s life expression live on, alive and such a gift of kindness through you. Blessed Be.
Dear Rowan’s family,
I think of sweet Rowan often. I keep him and his beautiful smile in my thoughts. He will not be forgotten.
All the best from Berlin/Germany,
Katrin
The candy canes went to my Son’s Preschool this evening and I saw the note. Thank you Rowan for the reminder that Caring and sharing are an important part of the season. My heartfelt thoughts to you and your loving family.
Just wanted you to know that my sons and I took time on December 16th to stop for a while during our errands to say “Hi!” to people, open the door for them and just generally be friendly to them, in memory of Rowan. It is amazing what a simple “Hi!'” can do! It started many conversations outside the grocery store, toy store and post office. Such a busy season, but people stopped because we did. We plan on taking that extra time more often to make people’s day better and to help us remember what is really important. Thank you for reminding us.
Corie Therrien