31 Comments
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Nikki Meyler Miller's avatar

I'm so glad bringing her things to the new house opened up your continued relationship with her. It would have been heartbreaking, otherwise.

Julie Neches's avatar

It brought me comfort to bring her things with me. And when I got a sign from her the next morning I knew she had come with me to the new house. Her obituary appeared by itself on my cell phone!

Nikki Meyler Miller's avatar

Oh, I LOVE this! What a great sign to reassure you! Hugs!

Julie Neches's avatar

It gave me great comfort! I was sobbing in her old bedroom right before we left for the last time and begging her to come with me to the new house. And she did!

Nikki Meyler Miller's avatar

She did, indeed!

Esther Stanway-Williams's avatar

Alix’s shrine is so lovely, what a precious thing to share with us all, thank you Julie.

Yes, I have shrines dotted around the house. They are my favourite photos of Dom and I make a point of leaving things I’ve found on walks there, feathers, conkers, pine cones as well as flowers I’ve picked. And I light a candle by some of them at special times.

I love how you created a room for Alix when you moved and know that I would want to do the same. And that she told you she’d come with you to your new house. It is so beautiful how she still shines on in it, through that stained glass 🩵

Julie Neches's avatar

I love how you have shrines around the house for Dom and that they are works in progress with all the gifts you find to leave him in front of the photos. And then he gets the beauty of a candle flame for special occasions! I do relish the moments when Alix’s light shines through the stained glass for me.

Esther Stanway-Williams's avatar

I bet…these moments lift us don’t they, Alix will know this too 🥰

Julie Neches's avatar

Yes they lift us and keep us connected!

Cindy Eastman's avatar

I wish I could upload a photo here...I'd show you the one I have for Annie in my living room. I love that Alix has her whole room. That's lovely. ♥️

Julie Neches's avatar

I’d love to see what you have for Annie in the living room. I’m sure it is a beautiful form of connection and affection.

Yolande Clark-Jackson's avatar

"I bought a house with an extra bedroom and brought the contents of Alix’s room with me."-so beautiful.

Julie Neches's avatar

Thank you for reading and liking that I brought all of my daughter's belongings with me and recreated her room!

Backroad Portfolio's avatar

What a beautiful tribute to Alix. This space in your new home is a way to keep her spirit close to you, and hopefully, it brings peace and love to you.

Julie Neches's avatar

Her recreated bedroom is a way to keep her spirit close and provide comfort to me. Thank you for liking my tribute to Alix!

Laurel O’Sullivan, J.D.'s avatar

What an amazing thing to do. I can’t quite imagine it. We sold our house and moved 7 months after Patrick died. I did enjoy spending time in his room and how lovely you have the comfort of your daughters things.

Julie Neches's avatar

Yes it comforts me to have Alix’s things come with me. Patrick’s presence could still be felt in your new home even without recreating his room.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

I created a memorial garden for my son, Emile, in our garden. It broke my heart when I had to sell the house. So many memories stayed behind.

Beautiful post, Julie.

Julie Neches's avatar

A memorial garden is a lovely way to spend time with Emile. It broke my heart too to leave Alix behind when we moved until she gave me a sign that she came with me to the new house.

Rea de Miranda's avatar

They are always with us. 🙏

Julie Neches's avatar

For sure!

guy howard klopp's avatar

My sister, who lost her daughter to suicide, planted a lovely tree and flowers. Then during a visit, when she and my brother came to visit, we painted rocks in her memory, which my sister used to surround the tree. I love seeing the photos every year.

Julie Neches's avatar

Planting a tree and flowers and surrounding the tree with painted rocks is a beautiful way to honor your niece!

Aaron Sorensen's avatar

We have something similar in our home as a shrine to my son Lucas.

Julie Neches's avatar

A beautiful way to honor our children!

Jacqueline Goldstein's avatar

Hoping this precious memory brings comfort and peace, Julie.

Julie Neches's avatar

Thank you for the kind wishes for comfort and peace! I am helped by her precious memory!

Pam McCarty's avatar

Love how it lights up for you. What a precious memory.

Julie Neches's avatar

Thank you! I love having it light up too!

Joanie Madsen's avatar

We each do what brings us comfort. No doubt Alix flops down on her bed and inhales it all. Good for you to create a sanctuary of peace. Douglas travels lightly, and reminds me to do so as well. He’s infused within everything. Where I feel him most is in nature. Thank goodness it is something that surrounds us all no matter where we find ourselves. 🌲💜🪶

Julie Neches's avatar

Douglas’ following you in nature is a wonderful way to connect. He is always with you and in places of beauty!