PAST TREES
PAST TREES
IN THE MEDIA
2023
For the second tree the mission was to move the tree to a more public location to enable more people to gather together and to spend as much time as they wanted reflecting, sharing, crying and loving in community with others.
The Flame Community garden in Tecoma became the perfect setting. Set in front of the Tecoma Uniting church in a beautiful quiet garden the Tree of Souls became a beacon of light.
Family friends and community members were able to gather and reflect
The support received from the committee members of Tecoma Uniting Church and Tecoma Primary school was amazing and became a valuable avenue to opening conversations and broadening limiting beliefs about grief, death and loss.
2022
THE FIRST TREE
This was the start of tree of souls! Born from Rineke’s need to be able to give Chris a present and supported by friends, family and fellow Soul mum Jacinda ( Harper F10) Tree of Souls was born!
The idea for Tree of Souls was inspired by Lisa Bird another beautiful Soul mum ( Josh F18)
Lisa runs the Bittersweet Parents FB page and also has a memorial garden wall in Tasmania where she invites parents to have a plaque for their child. You can contribute a plaque to the wall by joining the Bittersweet Parents page here.
In the front garden of Chris’s family home what we thought would be a simple display grew to be a display of over 150 images. With the requests from people wanting to visit a vigil was organised and who turned up unannounced…..Santa!!!
Our kids were clearly part of the planning team!
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24th September 2008 - 14th July 2019
Harper’s life began with a childhood filled with wonder and curiosity about the natural world. Early on Harpers eagerness to learn, to teach others and take action was clear. Harper shone brightly volunteering at community events and festivals where he proudly educated children and adults about ways to protect the environment in his role as a junior ambassador for the protection of platypus. From platypus, to sea shepherd, to action on climate, Harper was steadfast in his commitment to make a difference.
Harper was smart beyond his years and this extended way beyond the emotional intelligence he demonstrated. Harper was already performing in maths years above his age level and his curiosity and thirst for knowledge drove him to ask more and more questions, often climbing out of bed in the early evening when he should have been sleeping to ask, “mum, what are fish eggs called?!”
Harper’s care extended beyond the planet and animals, Harper had a unique and special relationship with everyone he met, and his need for connection made everyone feel so special. Harper was a caring boy who always looked out for others, stepping in to care when needed and everyone who knew him bore witness to this magic. Harper knew the value of a smile or the impact of reaching out when another child at school was lonely. Harper was handsome and charismatic but never conceited, he knew his worth but he was grounded and humble. At Harper’s funeral his school principal described him as the light in the school and this couldn’t truer.
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I’m a vibrant gentle soul with a big heart for people. During my earth days I loved cruising through life having fun and being goofy with all those around me. I loved the outdoors, camping, surfing and working on my dirt bike. My self taught guitar playing was also a love. I was training to become a paramedic when my earth time came to an abrupt end so now I’m a helper in a different way from the other side. I want you all to experience true love and true connection and what that guy said is true- don’t sweat the small stuff!
Love is where it’s all at and it never dies. Trust me- me and the others were all still with you The skateboard I was riding on my last earth day had the slogan Cult Freedom written on it. I know that’s my mission to help you all feel a greater sense of freedom while carrying the sadness and grief ai know you all feel.
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My Josh, who died in a car accident in December 2008 at 18 years of age.
He had a smile that lit up the room.
He had beautiful brown eyes.
He gave amazing hugs, to everyone.
He loved music, gaming and computers.
He was kind and compassionate, loud and fun.
He adored his mates and his family even
when his little sisters were annoying.
Josh loved to see others happy.
He drove me to distraction with his thumping bass beat echoing from his room.
I would love to hear that now, the silence is deafening…
He was, is and will always be loved.
His heartbroken mum, Lisa.
