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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

EndNotes

Hearts of stone

While Susie Stephens is memorialized through planting trees, a family in Olympia memorialized their son with river rocks. Carved with his name, "Zack," on each stone, the three-inch rocks were given to friends to take and leave at travel or favorite destinations. The family felt this gesture was a way to share Zack with the world, knowing that when the rocks were discovered or viewed, their son's name, and his memory would be shared.

 Stones remain in countries all over the world - including Israel. I took my stone to Siesta Key at Sarasota, Florida, and walked the beach. As the tide rolled out, I threw Zack's stone into the sea, praying that in it the warm waves would wash away a bit of the anguishing grief left behind.



Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.