Heartfelt Children's Memorial
On the corner of Hillcrest and Columbia, on Concordia University's campus in Seward, resides a welcoming, peaceful memorial that will stand forever as a physical representation of a parent's love for their child.
A Dream Became Reality
Heartfelt Connections, which began in 2002 to support parents grieving the loss of their child, realized the desire for a physical place where parents and families could visit to remember their loved ones.
What began as a dream of the parents who had lost a child, became a reality in 2015. Through generous donations, fundraising, volunteering and community support - both financial and emotional - the dream of a Children's Memorial was actualized.
Winding Journey
As you enter into the memorial, the crooked pathway symbolizes a winding journey parents go through while experiencing the grief of losing their child.
Lifetile Wall
A beautiful Lifetile wall, optically animated, depicts the movement of a boy and girl running through a meadow surrounded by a host of butterflies.
Faith, Hope, and Love
At the center of the Memorial are three brick walls, Faith, Hope, and Love, which contain the nearly 350 dedicated bricks. Etched with loving inscriptions from parents to their children, the walls sit among flowers and trees. Children from communities across Nebraska, other states, and internationally are honored on these walls.
Faith, Hope, and Love
At the center of the Memorial are three brick walls, Faith, Hope, and Love, which contain the nearly 350 dedicated bricks. Etched with loving inscriptions from parents to their children, the walls sit among flowers and trees. Children from communities across Nebraska, other states, and internationally are honored on these walls.
Serene Location
The memorial serves as a peaceful gathering place, offering solace to parents who may not be able to visit their child's final resting site. Visitors stroll along a gentle path, finding comfort in the heartfelt inscriptions on each brick, each holding countless memories. Every child's unique story is honored here, shared with reverence by those who visit.
At the end of the path stands "I Am The Light," an abstract metal sculpture inviting meditation and prayer. The memorial is also a certified North American Butterfly Association butterfly garden that provides a sanctuary for various species, symbolizing hope and transformation for those who mourn.
New lighting was installed in 2020 to better view the bricks at night. New flowers and trees are planted annually. The Board of Directors meet often to discuss further improvements.
The Heartfelt Children's Memorial is Located at 115 Hillcrest Drive in Seward, NE.
The site is handicap accessible with benches lining the walkway to sit and reflect. Off street parking is available.
It is always open to the public,
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Annual Remembrance Ceremony
New bricks are etched every Spring and dedicated at the Heartfelt Children's Memorial Annual Remembrance ceremony which takes place on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. All are invited to join us to remember and celebrate the lives of our children, followed by refreshments and fellowship.
Annual Remembrance Ceremony
New bricks are etched every Spring and dedicated at the Heartfelt Children's Memorial Annual Remembrance ceremony which takes place on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. All are invited to join us to remember and celebrate the lives of our children, followed by refreshments and fellowship.
It's a wonderful place for meditation and comfort. Death ends a life, but not a relationship.
Love never ends.
Diane Krieser
President and founding member of Heartfelt
Make a Plant Fund Donation
Donations go towards new flowers, trees, and plants at the Children's Memorial.
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