Anyone who has lost a child will know that even the littlest things can bring your grief simmering to the surface – and, equally, the smallest act of kindness and compassion can give comfort.
This is something that Janice Maureen Murphy recently learned, after visiting Disneyland just weeks after her infant daughter Analiese’s death.
Analiese sadly passed away shortly after birth, and her ashes are now contained in a cherished purple teddy bear.
In a Facebook post, heartbroken mum Janice recalled how she queued up to meet Cinderella’s iconic Fairy Godmother during her visit to the amusement park. Clutching her beloved purple teddy bear, Janice was amazed and touched by what happened when her turn to meet the Fairy Godmother came up.
While the Fairy Godmother didn’t know anything of Janice’s loss, she still cuddled the bear lovingly – a gesture which meant the world to the grieving mother.
To the Fairy Godmother I didn't know I needed, You had no idea the young woman that was holding a purple teddy bear...
Posted by Janice Maureen Murphy on Monday, March 21, 2016
“Despite your utter lack of knowledge, you included the bear in our interaction. And when you found out that my daughter died, and that her ashes are within the bear, you treated her the same way you treat every child that comes to see you every single day: with love, compassion and kindness. When you hugged her, and kissed her cheek, you made me feel like Analiese mattered to you.”
This turned out to be a truly unforgettable and heart-warming moment in Janice’s life and mourning of her daughter.
“I will always remember you, and how you hugged and loved on my daughter as if she was like any other child. You helped me feel her spirit in a place she was never able to visit while alive,” added an emotional Janice.
As you can well imagine, the photos of their interaction and the details of Janice’s story have touched hearts around the world. Janice’s post has now gone completely viral, receiving over 30,000 shares in just three days.
Our thoughts are with Janice at this difficult time.
