On Sunday, 4th February, the “Memory Day” was held for the sixth consecutive year. This day is organized by Merimna to commemorate the children who have died and who were either taken care of by the multidisciplinary team of the Pediatric Palliative Home Care Service during their illness and at the end of their life or whose parents were supported by the Childhood Bereavement Counseling Center after the death of the child.
This day is very important for us, as well as for the parents and family members, as it is a day of honor and respect for their children. It is also a day of meeting and reconnection of the families and the Merimna team, as well as a day of reflection about what is important in life and what gives us strength and courage to continue.
Every year a symbol is chosen that serves to enhance our introspection and this year the symbol chosen was the “Tree of Life” as it is a symbol that links birth, growth and creation, as well as immortality. We find it in so many cultures, religions and mythologies and in most cases it symbolizes a link between three worlds, a) the underworld, where its roots are found with the experiences of the past and the foundations that keep it alive and upright, b) the natural and visible world in which the tree develops, evolves, blooms and produces and c) the metaphysical world, the “divine”, who knows its highest branches, which are spread out up to the sky.
We would like to thank all those who contributed to the smooth administration of this event, even though the conditions were not particularly favorable, due to a rally in the center of Athens on the same day. First of all, to the parents and family members of the children, who with their presence there, gave meaning to the event and then to all the professionals who helped us with their courtesy and impeccable professionalism.
Specifically we thank::
-The Hotel “Royal Olympic” for providing the venue, free of charge.
-To Mrs Bafia – the calligrapher who wrote the children’s names in Merimna’s Album
-To Mr. Pierro from “Pierros “La Couture des fleurs” for the provision of flowers to decorate the tables.
-To the Nursery “Issaris” for the potted flowers that were given to the parents and relatives.
-To the store «Μετά Χαράς» for the balloons that were given to the siblings who were at the event.
-To “Magico Guitar Trio” with the musicians, George Giannopoulos, Maria Boutsina and Kostas Smono for the wonderful melodies that enhanced the day.
-To the bakery “Apollonion” for the New Years cake (Basilopita)
-To all the volunteers who helped with the preparations (decoration of the candles and flower pots) and who facilitated the smooth outcome of the day.
