The Heartlight Tree                             HOME

The HEARTLIGHT TREE was dedicated in memory of our son, Kevin Blowey. On January 7, 1991, at the tender age of 5 1/2 Kevin died in a bike/truck accident near our home. Later that spring, our dear friend, Dave Arellano, who is a principal in the school district where Stann teaches, organized a group of district administrators who donated a blue spruce tree in memory of our Kevin. The city granted their request to plant the tree in the parkway at the end of our street. Dave chose the spot because it was close to our home. It was even more special to us because  two days before Kevin died we had shared a wonderful afternoon at that park romping in the snow and sledding down the big hill. It was a glorious day!

Over the years we have made many pilgrimages to our sacred tree. Our tears have watered its thirsty roots to produce blue green needles and thick branches that offer solace in their shade and wisdom from a gentle breeze. Yet, those are the same needles that pierce tender fingertips in the way that grief unexpectedly stabs at the scars of a healing heart. Just as Kevin’s little tree endured drought, freezing temperatures, raging wind, and vandalism, fifteen years later, we have battled the brutal and turbulent weather of grief to stand taller and stronger than ever. Blessed by the kindness of strangers, the support of our loved ones, and the gentle mercies of God, we have survived.

This holiday season, the Heartlight Tree stands over 15 feet tall and sparkles with over 150 ornaments of love for children from all over proving that death is only an illusion and Love is eternal. We extend our love and gratitude to Ed & Joyce Chenevert who lit the tree from their back yard patio from 1991 to 2000, and to our dear friends, The Gaber's who have continued the tradition since the Chenevert's moved.

Click here for instructions to send an ornament in memory of your child!