I first learned of Vicki and Evan while reading her post The Mother at the Swings.
In an instant, a heartbeat really, I knew I had found a kindred soul. Her description of ‘gingerbreadmen’ was a complete reflection of a situation I was experiencing.
I quickly found that the guide was right, that I was supported by only one or two rocks, and that the rest of my friends and family members had become gingerbread men. As Evan’s disabilities became more obvious, after he left the hospital and in the time that followed, I found new rocks and said goodbye to the gingerbread men.
Then there was the recognition of my pre-Parker self in her description of the mother at the swings. A recognition soon followed by the profound realization of how my place in the universe had suddenly shifted with the birth of my youngest son.
How could this woman that I had never met, see directly into the deepest secrets of my being? And then through her writing express what I was feeling, yet had no idea how to articulate.
This to me is the very definition of kindred soul.
So it is with a great sadness that I share with you the passing of Vicki’s son, Evan.
Many mothers today are sharing their love and respect for Vicki and her family. Jennifer,and another, “To Vicki Forman”
And to honor the memory of Evan and the life he lived, Shannon has begun a Flickr Pool containing pictures of flowers on swings.
Go and join in with your own picture of flowers at the swings.
And to show how deep the good in Vicki’s heart goes, she has requested that in Evan’s honor, rather than sending flowers to the family, please send contributions to:
The Pediatric Epilepsy Fund at UCLA
Division of Pediatric Neurology
Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
22-474 MDCC
10833 Le Conte Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1752
Photo Credit: Melody
Tammy and Parker can also be found hanging out at their other blog: Praying For Parker