“Sadly a RestingPlace will come to us all, but for those who have gone before us, flowers left at the RestingPlace are a comforting reminder that they will never be forgotten.”
In memory of J.H.H.
About
My story
Hello my name is Lottie. Tragically I lost my beloved brother in a road traffic accident, caused by a careless driver. He was 24 years old, on his way to college and studying engineering.
My life came to a complete stand still along with my parents, sister, family, friends and his girlfriend!
The enormity of emotion that followed, the heart wrenching realisation that he had GONE FOREVER, NEVER TO RETURN HOME AGAIN, was immeasurable!!!
The cruelty of death leaves memories, fuelling a deep sense of loss, outpouring of grief, profound sadness and an overwhelming sense of emptiness!
The constant frustration that there was so much that he still had to do in life, and so much that we did not do together, haunted me. Even the scent on his clothes remained as a stark reminder of his former existence!
We didn’t even get to say goodbye ; NO FAREWELL !
Tortuous sleeplessness consumed the still of every night, but with a few hours of sleep came the hope that this could all be a dream!
Instead, it was a terrible nightmare on a loop and never ending!
Sadly we had to learn to live with our precious loss!
Recounting the last days that we spent together, questioning whether there was anything that we could have done differently!
There were NO answers! NOTHING!
An intense stillness!
We sobbed relentlessly for days !
We found ourselves visiting the graveside regularly with the painful AWARENESS that he was NOT ALONE.
OTHERS had suffered too, and other families would understand our inconsolable pain!
My faith and prayer saw me through the darkest moments!
Lily Flowered Tulips
We, along with family and friends would leave beautiful bouquets and wreaths at his RestingPlace as a form of respect on his death day, birthday and any other celebratory occasions of the year. They represented a token of appreciation of a life once lived, a celebration of that life , those few years -NOT FORGOTTEN !
The floral tributes were exquisite and we opted for silk tributes that were long lasting.
However , on our return to his RestingPlace we found that our floral tributes were elsewhere in the cemetery- BLOWN ,WASHED or MOVED away BY ANIMALS. This was also the case for other graves.
It was all too painful!!!
So I DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
AS A RESULT THE RestingPlace Vase and Wreath holder invention was born.
A harrowing paradox of events had brought me TO THIS POINT, where through the tragic LOSS OF LIFE of my wonderful brother, an idea was brought to life —BORN TO HELP OTHERS like me THROUGH LOSS.
A fitting PREMIUM memorial for my brother and all loss of life! Keeping multiple precious floral tributes , wreaths , urns, small watertight pouches of ashes and keep sakes secure at any memorial setting or on any surface. It can be used at the graveside, remembrance gardens, mausoleums, memorials, pet cemeteries, patios, decking, planter boxes, tables, receptions, offices, lobbies and conservatories.
The RestingPlace Vase represents much more than a cemetery vase because it can be used in ANY SETTING , by ANY FAITH to respectfully remember ALL LOSS whether buried or cremated.
The RestingPlace Vase is also shaped like a flower in bloom when empty, portraying that we are like flowers that blossom and in time wilt away.
It is also designed to resemble my favourite flower – the Lily flowered tulip , giving comfort to those whose RestingPlace Vase may be empty.
Do always remember that you are NOT ALONE in loss! Despite your race, faith, views , historical and political opinions, we can ALL RELATE TO DEATH.
IT is FINAL!
IT UNITES US ALL !
This was painfully highlighted during the public display of mourning, when HM Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022. The collective outpouring of grief from all around the world, young , old , including Heads of State and dignitaries , was momentous. It was a time where hundreds and thousands of people left a sea of floral tributes , and queued for several hours to pay their respects.
But also , it was a TIME for QUIET SOMBRE REFLECTION of our own lives .
If you lose someone you care about, try to reflect on the good times. Seek support where necessary whether it be in prayer, from family, friends, your doctor or through counselling .
In time as hard as it may seem, you will sadly learn to live with your painful loss.
But NEVER FORGET that when all is said and done ,WE ARE truly UNITED AS ONE, as IN THE END a RestingPlace WILL surely COME TO US ALL.
Thank you.
Lottie.
