Closing Poem (8:30 am)

Ending this section (Voices Behind The Pain) with the poem below seems rather appropriate to me. I located this, written anonymously, on the Child Welfare League of America homepage.

Post #47
Need sleep...need. sleep.

Reference: Child Welfare League Homepage (http://www.cwla.org)
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Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond's gift in snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quite birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.

--Author Unknown

POMC Inc. National Song: "We Are Survivors" (8:00 am)

I picked this song as an addition to "Voices Behind The Pain" simply because it embodies all that I hoped to find in following the idea behind this section of "Donating Tenderness" in the first place. I wanted to provide readers with examples that show how powerful self expression can be in any type of emotional healing. But I feel the importance exists even more so for parents of children lost to violence.

Hour 23

Reference: National Organization For Parents of Murdered Children
(http://www.pomc.org/)

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National Song

"We Are The Survivors"© was written and composed in 1993 by Richard Wright. It is performed by Kim Tewksbury whose father, Monte, was murdered in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1983. A gift to POMC from Kim and Rick, the song is a message of hope and healing. Click here to listen to "We Are The Survivors" in Real Audio Format. You will need the Real Audio Player to listen. If you don't have the player, click on the icon at the top. If you would like to order a copy of "We Are The Survivors", please call us toll free at (888) 818-POMC. We Are The Survivors written by R. Wright There are those of us whose mothers have been taken from our arms, There are those of us with children we could not keep safe from harm. There are those of us who've lived to see our fathers lose their lives, And each and every one of us survives. Chorus We are the survivors, left behind to carry on. We are the survivors, joined together we are strong. We will speak out for our loved ones who were not given a choice. We are the survivors, hear our voice. Maybe some of us have brothers who were here, but now they're gone, You can ask about our sisters, because their memory is strong. We are sons and we are daughters, we are husbands, we are wives, And each and every one of us survives. Repeat Chorus With a part of us that never heals, and a fear of the unknown, There's a strength in knowing through it all, you're not alone. We are the survivors, hear our voice. If you would like to purchase this song on cassette tape, please click here .

Copyright ©The National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc.
All Rights Reserve

Protecting America's Children: A National Message Mural (7:30 am)

The unveiling of this mural is a powerful statement, illustrating the needed commitment we lack as a society in protecting our children from violence. I hope you find this article as enjoyable and as encouraging as I have.

Enjoy.

Reference: The Child Welfare League of America(http://www.cwla.org/advocacy/memorialflagcortado.htm)

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Protecting America's Children: A National Message Mural

Artist Xavier Cortada unveils a national message mural on April 22, 2005 (Photo courtesy of Staash Press.)

Cuban-American artist and activist Xavier Cortada unveiled an original mural to support the CWLA National Children's Memorial Flag initiative on April 22, 2005, at the Washington, D.C.-based IDEA Public Charter School. The mural includes poems and messages written by IDEA students, CWLA members and staff, and concerned citizens about the issues of child abuse and violence prevention. The mural will serve as a powerful and visible reminder of how the IDEA students overcame their struggles and fears, and through artistic expression and civic engagement created a masterpiece for their fellow and future students to enjoy for years to come.

Several local officials, including Washington, D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief, Adrian Thompson; Executive Director of Charter Schools for the District of Columbia Board of Education, Dr. Brenda Belton; and Captain Deirdre Porter from the Office of the Chief of Police, participated in the Children's Memorial Flag Day ceremony and contributed their voices to the National Message Mural.

"Children are indeed our most precious resource…" says Mr. Cortada. "Sadly, at times, many of them are forgotten and ignored. Worse, some of them are victims of abuse and violence. During Child Abuse Prevention Month, CWLA invites all of us to reflect on what we do personally and societally to ensure that our children have a brighter future. Through the Children's Memorial Flag Campaign, CWLA encourages us to become more involved and more responsible."

CWLA initiated a partnership with the IDEA School after a fire was deliberately set at the school during the early morning hours of December 7, 2004. The fire caused substantial damage to the building. To help the community heal, CWLA introduced an innovative poetry curriculum to the 11th and 12th grade Humanities students. Through the poetry writing exercises, students have been able to express their feelings about the fire and its aftermath, as well as the realities of growing up in an urban setting beset by violence and crime.

David Carr Jr., Saxophonist (7:00 am)

This artist has worked a great deal with programs which benefit children. Most recently he wrote the song "Sounds of Innosense" which has become the official theme song of Our Garden of Angels Inc (which I blogged about in a prior post). Through his music he has given a voice to thousands of parents who are so often isolated by their grief and shock in the aftermath of losing a child.

Hour 22
Good Morning Everybody!

Reference: N'Fluent Music Homepage
(http://www.nfluentmusic.com/)
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Story Behind The Artist

Saxophonist, DAVID CARR, JR., has pursued his passion as an artist since the age of 12. His inspiration came inherently from his father, also a saxophonist. Through his influence, along with his undying patience and hard work, David’s desire to pursue his goals with perseverance and dedication was born. All these attributes have played an integral part in his success today.

As a self-taught and prolific player by ear, DAVID writes and produces his soulful melodies in his own studio. His refreshing new blend of contemporary jazz, combined with an R&B/Funk flair, has earned him a reputation and sound which separates him from many other saxophonists of today. Coupled with his provocative stage presence and innovative sounds, his smooth, yet rhythmic sound, has been compared with such greats as Grover Washington, Jr. and David Sanborn.

David performs as a solo artist, as well as, with his band. His performances are largely comprised from corporate & charity events, weddings and/or private parties, JAZZ concerts and music festivals—both in and outside of the US. Combining his many years of experience, along with his raw talent, profoundly reinforces that David Carr Jr. is a true commodity.

As a young boy, DAVID’s commitment to a “drug free” life has earned him the credibility, respect and recognition as a true “artist” throughout his career. In consideration of these attributes, David’s participation in outreach programs benefitting the children and young adults of today is not only an inspiration for many, but also a rewarding experience as well. The many local agencies that Davd has worked with throughout the years:

• The Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center
• MDA,
• MEALS ON WHEELS,
• THE HEART ASSOCIATION,
• THE DOWN SYNDROME GUILD OF DALLAS
• THE HOLT INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Most recently, DAVID’s newest community involvement has been with Child Advocate, Mark Klaas (http://www.klaaskids.org/) and “Our Garden of Angels”, a support group whose mission is to prevent violent abuse to men, women and children, as well as, comfort and guide those left behind after losing a loved one from the violent act of murder.

Hear David’s song, “Sounds of Innosense”, the official theme song for “The Garden”, on their website: http://www.ourgardenofangels.org/

For more information about DAVID and his music—plus, his Calendar of Events, visit his website @ www.davidcarrjr.com or call his 24-HR JAZZLINE: 800.650.5003.

The CWLA Children's Memorial Flag Initiative (6:30 am)

This is the first post in the ending section of this blog, "Voices Behind The Pain". The focus will be on the expression of grief and pain, expressed when our children are lost to violence -- and revealed through some form of artwork.

Reference: Child Welfare League of America
(http://www.cwla.org/)

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Children's Memorial Flag

The CWLA Children's Memorial Flag Initiative

In 1998, CWLA launched a public awareness campaign to direct attention to the tragedy of violent child deaths as part of a national initiative to reduce child mortality.

The centerpiece is simple--a red flag depicting blue, paper-doll-like figures of children holding hands. In the center, the white chalk outline of a missing child symbolizes the thousands of children lost to violence. Created by a 16-year-old student in Alameda County, California, and flown on the fourth Friday in April, the Children's Memorial Flag honors each lost child and raises public awareness about the continuing problem of violence against children.

For the past three years, all 50 governors have united in an impressive bipartisan effort by flying the flag, issuing proclamations, or participating in ceremonies to memorialize children. National and local publicity has been terrific, and the Children's Memorial Flag has become an increasingly recognizable symbol of the need to improve our efforts to protect children.

The Children's Memorial Flag has also received support from mayors, directors of social service agencies and hospitals, schools, district attorneys, police chiefs, and others.

Further the Cause

The Children's Memorial Flag has already brought the issue of child abuse and neglect to light for thousands of people, but we must continue the momentum if we hope to prevent future occurrences of violence against children. Your support is essential to helping us realize the dream of eliminating the violence against children.

Stay Connected

Each year, more and more concerned citizens join in the Children's Memorial Flag Initiative. The energy and enthusiasm for this initiative has been overwhelming, and we would like to share your stories with others who participate in the flag campaign or are thinking about getting involved. Tell us what you or your organization is doing to support National Children's Memorial Flag Day. E-mail pictures and stories to flag@cwla.org.

Nearly 3 million children are reported abused and neglected each year in this country, and more than 1,000 die tragically from abuse and neglect. Have you experienced tragedy firsthand? Please share your story.