Dedicated to Mayzie Claire Humphrey

I had the privilege to walk alongside my colleague and friend, Kim Humphrey. She and her family had attended Billy’s Place due to the loss of their daughter/sibling Mayzie. Mayzie was born medically fragile and required 24/7 care. I never met Mayzie but I saw the profound impact that her life and death had on each family member. I saw the ongoing grief that was so consuming and challenging as they traversed the course of their lives without her. I was compelled to pay tribute to this incredible warrior of a girl, and embed the chime as a memorial, and include her in this story, as a way to honor her life. 

Mayzie loved the colors pink, teal, and purple so the hummingbird was designed with her in mind. I later learned that the hummingbird was special to the Humphrey family. Kim shared, “Hummingbirds tend to visit us at the most unexpected times with encounters feeling so personal and intimate that we can’t help but think that our Mayzie sent them to remind us of her presence.” 

I have since learned that many people experience such encounters with nature which serves as a source of comfort as they grieve. Thus the reason, the story invites the readers to share their stories on the Facebook site: “Families Grieving Together for Hope and Healing.” You may also use the form on the Community Members Stories Tab. It will be read and considered for publishing, and placed under that tab as we receive stories to share.