November 13, 2011

For George



I built this little box for our friends, Leif and Brianna, and for their son George, who died on March 31, 2010 after twenty-four short minutes of life. They wanted something to hold his precious belongings, so I crafted this box out of reclaimed doug fir wall paneling. 

We never got to meet George, but the impact he has had on my family through his Dad and Mom is tremendous. I don't know where we would be without the love, tenderness and understanding that their friendship has brought to us since meeting them shortly after Margot died. The very existence of our friendship, the profoundness of it, the sadness behind why we met, the source of joy it brings us, is still a complicated mystery to me.

To George Ellsworth Hanson. Thanks for all you have given us.





12 comments:

Catherine W said...

This is absolutely stunning Josh. A beautiful piece of work for a truly wonderful family.

Remembering George.

Mary Beth said...

What a beautiful box! We have one made by a friend, too, and it is such an amazing gift. I'm sure Brianna and Leif will love it forever. Remembering George with all of you.

Hope you're thawed out :)
xo

Hope's Mama said...

That is just beautiful. Both the box and your words. There is something so special about connecting with babyloss people in real life. You wish you'd never met them, but at the same time, you don't know where you'd be without them.
xo

brianna said...

We can't even begin to tell you how much we love this and how much we love your family. It is a beautiful and treasured gift from beautiful and treasured friends.

B + L + C + G

Hanen said...

Just beautiful. Such a well-loved baby boy. So glad he connected you with Brianna & Leif.

Gwen Jackson said...

What a dear gift for dear friends. So thoughtful Josh.

Brooke said...

So beautiful. The gifts of those kinds of friendships and connections come at such a cost, but we still have to admit what beautiful gifts they are.

Renel said...

What a great friend you are! You know I love that you made that box for someone who you are friends with, that you were thinking of George and that it is useful...I think this gift meant more than you could imagine...actually you probably can imagine..that is why you are an awesome friend.

michelle said...

Its is so good that you are able to give and get that support from others that really understand. Sometimes I dont know where I would be without meeting some amazing loss parents and experiencing their incredible kindeness.

Fireflyforever said...

What a beautiful and precious gift.

Bon said...

wow.

i read your words and looked at the box and i started to cry. and i'm not even sure why. it's a beautiful box...i think that's it. there is care and love and made by hand written all over it. and i have never made something like that for my son, even in all these years. i don't know if it's too late...in me, i mean. my reaction to the box makes me think maybe not.

Anonymous said...

Hi Josh
I have not met you and your family yet. I wanted to drop by and say 1) I'm so very sorry for your loss. 2) thank you for being such great friends to my sister, Leif, George and Clio. I can't put into words how grateful I feel when I look at that beautiful box and here of your times together with them.
Again, a heartfelt thank you
Lisa Bragger

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