The moments that we set aside in our Give Grief a Voice project to share the art that has been created for families to remember their child has been transforming through the six years of the program. We began in 2019 with an evening hosted in a wine-tasting space in downtown Portland, to which people interested in the program were invited. COVID happened and our spaces shifted to outdoors, guests were fewer by intention. Always sensitive to the almost sacred time that the first moment of viewing the art is for parents, we continued to adjust when others joined during the evening in support of the program. As families, past and present, were invited and began to cherish the presence of each other, special events on Friday and Saturday midday were added.
This year on September 13 and 14, five of the seven families for 2024 gathered – most housed in two bed and breakfast homes – to be together. Additionally, 9 alumni families attended. On Friday evening the favorite Bonfire and Brews brought dads together for a “fun and rambunctious” night. Buzzy’s dad, Nate, reported that seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones was great.
The Mothers Brunch on Saturday included an activity for children ages 4-14. Six children were in attendance, as the space allowed for family-friendly activities. A special treat for the weekend began with brunch and continued into the evening event with “Singing Chef” Jules Davis, who brought the heat with his soul food. Delicious items accompanied by heartrending songs was an amazing combination.
In the evening, the art was moved swiftly inside when a few rain sprinkles appeared. Families were joined by some of our writers and artists as they experienced their unique creations for the first time. The close-knit group was joined by Buzzy’s Bees board members and a handful of volunteers for more amazing fare by chef Jules. Justin Terlaga, an alumni parent, shared how meaningful the experience of the Give Grief a Voice project had been for him. Nods and appreciative applause confirmed that this has been the case for others as well.
Lisa Reit, our lead writer, provided information about the journey of the GGaV project. During the six years since its beginning, we have worked with 61 families in 12 states, in Canada, and this year, in Australia. Starting with one writer and a handful of artists, we have grown to a team which includes 5 writers and 7 artists. Reproductions of the artwork are being seen via a traveling Gallery Tour which has been hosted in libraries, hospitals, community centers and other venues in Oregon, Washington, and California. Grants have been secured, funds have been raised and a few part-time positions join the many hours our generous volunteers provide to carry out the Give Grief a Voice mission.
As Lisa stated and Amanda confirmed, even though the event has changed through the years, the mission remains the same:
The Give Grief a Voice project aims to provide a platform for expressing and processing grief through story and art, creating spaces where the stories of loved ones are honored and remembered.
