Time heals all wounds, but Jaimie Ashton knew that if she could get a memorial established for students who have passed away in Spotsylvania County, it could help expedite the grieving process for many.
Ashton, a parent and child advocate, and the Spotsylvania County School Board have been collaborating since the summer in hopes of bringing solace to those who have been affected by the passing of a school-age child. This past Saturday, the Spotsylvania Memorial Park was unveiled at the Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS) administration building at 2 p.m.
More than 150 people came to view the memorial on Saturday. Among the audience were community members, Spotsylvania County School Board members, politicians, grieving parents and The Compassionate Friends organization. The current memorial has 10 benches with the deceased names printed on them.
Nina Miller of Woodbridge said she was excited to be there because she lost her son, Khyri West, just a few years ago. Miller credited Ashton for her efforts.
“This memorial is amazing and it’s in true Jaimie Ashton fashion because nothing she does is ever small,” Miller said.
Ashton has always been a huge pillar in Miller’s village; their sons used to play on the same football team. Miller’s son was just 16 when he died, and details remain “murky,” she said.
This memorial gives me some of the healing we all seek after such an event. I would like to see Jaimie put memorials up in other areas,” Miller added.
Local officials including Lorita Daniels (middle left) and residents take part in a ceremony for a new memorial garden on Saturday in Spotsylvania. The garden is dedicated to the memories of deceased school-aged children in the county. (Photo by Jamar Billingsley)
SCPS Superintendent Clint Mitchell acknowledged there were some conflicting viewpoints about the memorial recently but had this to say: “Regardless of religion, this memorial is a place for everyone to come to honor their loved ones. The only thing that matters are the names on the bench.”
Visibly emotional, SCPS School Board member Lorita Daniels said, “All the outpouring support filled my heart today.” Daniels said she’s been reflecting on this memorial since it was proposed and has done her due diligence to better understand the healing process for those who’ve lost a child.
Chapter leader Kathie Kelly of The Compassionate Friends organization hosts bereavement meetings every third Tuesday of the month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, located at 5120 Harrison Road. During the meetings, survivors share stories as part of the healing process.
“There were so many people here that didn’t know about us. Although we are not licensed therapists, we lead from bereavement experience,” said, Kelly who lost her son, Kevin, in 1998 on Mother’s Day when he was just 3 years old. “I met someone today who lost her child just three months ago, and she said she plans on coming to some of the Tuesday meetings in the future.”
Daniels is happy parents have a place to come and mourn their child who has passed on.
“They need a place to reflect, otherwise they wouldn’t know what to do and wouldn’t know where to go,” she said. “This memorial is spiritually needed for healing. I also like the fact it’s on school grounds since those students spent a large portion of their time at school.”
Mitchell thanked the SCPS School Board for presenting the change in policy that allowed the memorial to come to fruition. “I urge all parents who have lost a child to use the Spotsylvania Memorial Park to honor their child,” Mitchell said during his speech Saturday.
