In Memory of Gabe

It’s so hard to believe it’s been almost 8 years without Gabe. In just a few weeks he would be celebrating his birthday (he’d be turning 23!). I find that I think of him often as I go about my day- when I hear a certain song, or I see a person who has similar features or mannerisms. I also know that I want to do something good in his memory. The job that I am honored to do each day is work with young moms through home visiting. I have the privilege of helping these moms connect with their babies. One of the resources that I connect families to is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. When my boys were small, we did a lot of reading. Gabe in particular loved books. He would often have many books in his bed and stay up reading much later than he should have. In honor of his birthday I would love to help this wonderful program, which will impact the families I work with and so many other families in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

If you feel called to donate in Gabe’s memory, please see the information below and use the link I’ve included. I know Gabe touched many lives in his own short life, and I love to think that gifts given in his memory have the potential to impact so many. One of my jobs as Gabe’s mom is to make sure he’s not forgotten, and I thank you in helping to do good and keep his memory alive.

Hello friends! As many of you know, Gabe’s birthday is approaching. Gabe would be turning 23 on March 20. This year I would like to have a donation drive in his memory. The charity I have chosen is the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This wonderful program provides free, quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age 4. Each month every enrolled child receives a book mailed directly to their home. Early literacy is a key component of child development. Reading also provides a way for parents to connect with their young children. Gabe loved reading from an early age. We were fortunate to have many books in our home, and I love that this program is available to help provide home libraries for children. I’m providing a donation link to the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library via The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. And your gift will be doubled! A very generous donor is matching donations up to $250,000. Thank you for remembering Gabe, and thank you for helping bring books to young children in his memory. https://cfhr.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2650