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Share Ambassadors

Mena DeMonbrun and Cathi Lammert

In 1982, our son Christopher died after living just four days. My husband, Chuck and our children struggled with his death, the deepest of sorrows. Our life was like a big jigsaw puzzle that had fallen into many pieces. Putting the puzzle back together was difficult and some of the pieces fit, others did not, plus there was big hole in the middle, a hole in our hearts.

One of the persons who supported us the most in our journey of grief was my mother, Hermena DeMonbrun or known by most as Mena. She tenderly called her grandson, our little Christopher. Not once in our pain did she tell us to get on with it. She always listened and allowed each of us to cry or talk about him and how much we missed him. Often she cried too.

As my career changed to become the executive director of Share, Mom was interested in the families I served and often wanted to know the circumstances of the baby’s death, as she prayed for them. Being a business woman, she also wanted to know the not for profit aspect of the organization. She often said "Everyone should know about Share." She was excited when the decision was made to have bigger events, like the Angel Ball. She loved attending and was very happy to support Share.

My mother recently died at 92 years young. Shortly before she died, I had decided that I would be an ambassador for the Angel Ball. I was going to send a letter asking all my family and extended friends to support the organization. Mom thought this was a great idea. I did not have to send the letter, as an abundance of donations came to Share in her memory from that group of loved ones. I know Mom was pleased. I was blessed with some inheritance from my parents and I decided to increase my ambassadorship with these funds.

I am so grateful that I have a wonderful family. Even though I had only four days with our son, Christopher, he touched my life forever. My mother was my best supporter, my cheerleader, and for that I will always be indebted. I know Mom and Christopher are both celebrating with us tonight and probably dancing to the Big Band tunes in heaven.