AMORe

11/26/2025

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Although, we sometimes feel how can we be thankful when we have lost our children, we have so much to be thankful for. Our children may not be with us here on earth but we do have all of the precious memories of their existence. Hang on to those memories. That is something that can’t be taken away.
We have others around us, whether it be family or friends or both to be thankful for. Even if they are far away, they are only a phone call away.
This beautiful earth that God made with the plants and flowers, and all of His creation is something to be grateful for.
I could give on and on. This is only a grain of sand to be thankful for. Look around and inside and find things to be thankful for. Be a blessing to someone. That is something to be thankful for and for the person you bless.
Thinking of all of you this Thanksgiving. ❤️

11/01/2025

Hello everyone! When October started the Fall season began and the beginning of all the holiday seasons. Halloween yesterday brought back so many memories: dressing up my kids (their costumes were all handmade or put together from what we had at home), taking them out trick-or-treating, handing out candy, and seeing the costumes of the other kids.
I was excited about Halloween. I love to decorate and hand out candy. The kids and grandkids are grown except for one. I was sad last night, though, because we only had 2 kids come by. My son, Matthew, loved Halloween. He loved the spearmint Lifesavers mints. Every year we give out “Matthew’s” mints in honor of him. The years have changed and life has changed.
Without our children, nothing will ever be the same.
We can always keep their memory alive by doing something as simple as handing out their favorite candy on Halloween or even set up a trunk-or-treat.
We did special things when they were here. We can continue to do so for other children to make them happy. That’s what our kids would do if they were alive and with us.
I hope you reflect on the holidays and do something special to honor your child. I’ll touch base again. Please feel free to comment. Take care.

11/29/2024

11/29/2024

Thanksgiving is almost over but I wanted to say that I hope everyone was able to enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends. When we have to spend a holiday or special day without our child or children it can be difficult. Just know that you are loved and have support if the time is difficult for you. Our loved ones that are not physically with us are with us still. We just can’t feel them. Close your eyes and give yourself a hug, picture your child with his or hers arms around you. They are there.
I’m thankful for the memories I have of Matthew and the Thanksgivings we had together. I’m thankful for my friends and family that have always and still are with me when I need them. I’m thankful for God never giving up on me and always be there.
What are you thankful for? Say your child’s name. Sending hugs. (((❤️)))

09/25/2024

Today is the annual National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. In 2007, Congress designated Sept. 25 as the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. Robert and Charlotte Hullinger, of Cincinnati, formed Parents of Murdered Children following the 1978 murder of their 19-year-old daughter, Lisa, while she was studying in Germany. The annual day of observance is on the date Lisa was murdered. The annual National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims gives us all the opportunity to remember those lost to homicide, and honor their memories. The purpose of this event is to focus on the impact of murder on families, and communities.

Remembering our son Matthew and all other victims. Murder impacts more than one person, and one family. Murder impacts the entire community.

06/15/2024

Hello everyone! It’s summertime already. I hope everyone has been able to enjoy the weather some. Sometimes it’s hard to enjoy things when our children that were taken away from us are not with us; but it is possible. When we do things that our children are missing out on or enjoying life, we are not forgetting them we are honoring them. We are enjoying life for them just as if they were here because they are never out of our minds.
So tell us what you have been doing to honor your children. We just got back from the beach enjoying time with our two youngest grandchildren. ☺️

05/28/2024

Thank you ❤️🇺🇸

04/30/2024

April 29, 2002: a date forever burned into my heart and mind.
Twenty-two years without Matthew: son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend. The ripple affect because of the cruel actions of an evil person is devastating and remains a part of our lives forever. It was a beautiful day much like today and it was also a Monday. It’s hard to believe that Matthew has been gone from this earth 22 years. It seems like yesterday. It’s just as vivid in my mind.
Today also begins the 2 weeks of special days. Today is only special to remember Matthew. One of the biggest fears of a bereaved parent is that their child will be forgotten. Matthew will never be forgotten. Next Sunday, May 5 is my birthday. It’s also Bereaved Mother’s Day. The following Sunday is Mother’s Day. Memorable 2 weeks forever.
Today I will not only remember Matthew, I will enjoy the “day the Lord has made and be glad in it.” Sometimes it can be hard to say that but I know Matthew wouldn’t want it any other way. Today I will go to Bible study, enjoy the outside, this evening watch Leo at his baseball game, make Matthew’s last meal-Corned Beef Casserole, and finish the day by going to “Matthew’s (no) tree” and laying down a red rose and lighting a candle.
Always love family, friends, and even strangers. Be kind. Give hugs. You never know who might need it or if it will be the last time you have a chance. No day is promised. Love you all.
❤️

04/22/2024

NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK 4/21-4/27. Please remember all those affected by violent crimes. It’s something that affects those for life.

03/04/2024

This year seems to be going by quickly. I can’t believe it’s March already. Soon it will be Spring, a time of new beginnings and new growth. It can be very hard to see the beauty and joy when you are grieving. It is possible in time. Take that first step by smiling at someone or look in the mirror and smile at yourself, even if you don’t feel like it. Take a walk outside and enjoy the Spring weather and soak up the sun rays. Be patient with yourself. You are not alone. If you need to reach out, please do so. I’m here for you, too.

Our in person monthly meeting of AMORe is the second Sunday of the month at 3:00 in Woodbridge, Va. If you would be interested in attending our support group or have questions please contact me through this group and I will connect with you.
Just remember you have someone who cares and understands. Blessings to all. ❤️

02/14/2024

Remembering all those that are missing their children and loved ones this Valentine’s Day. My heart is with you. ❤️
This poem was written by a singer/songwriter/musician who is also a bereaved parent. Thanks to all who have loved and shared this special Valentines Day poem over the years … If you know, you know 🩷♥️🩷

A Dozen Roses
By Alan Pedersen

If I had a dozen roses,
I know just what I’d do
I’d give each one a name
That reminded me of you

The first rose I’d call sunshine,
Cause you brighten everyday
The second would be beauty,
The kind that never goes away

The third rose would be priceless,
Like those hugs you gave to me
I’d name the fourth rose silly
Oh how funny you could be

Rose five of course is patience,
Something you have helped me find
The sixth rose would be memories,
Those gifts you left behind

The seventh and the eighth rose
Would for sure be faith and grace
Nine would be unique
Because no one can take your place

The tenth rose well that’s easy,
I’d simply name it love
Eleven would be angel,
I know you’re watching from above

I’d think about that twelfth rose
And really take my time
After all these roses
Are for you my Valentine

I’m sending them to heaven
In every color that I know
So twelve I’ll name forever
That’s how long I’ll love you so

By Alan Pedersen