This was my first angel mom retreat and didn’t go in expecting much, but I learned so much. I met a wonderful group of women who I bonded so much with and I learned that I am not in this journey alone , you can laugh and cry with them and there is no judgement, just love and understanding. I learned to love myself a little more and also that I’m not to blame for the loss of my child and neither are the other mothers. We all loved our children. When I left I missed those women, I feel like we have a lasting bond and friendship forever. If you get a chance to do this retreat , I encourage you too, you won’t regret all the ways you learn to handle your grief

As I lay on my bed at the retreat, our final night, my heart is so full. I joined a group of women I didn’t know and I can honestly say that I love them and cherish their friendships. We shared about our Angels and funny stories of them. We laughed, we cried, we bonded, and will forever be connected. We all have the same pain and each are on our journey of grief and trying to make a change in this world so other parents don’t go through this. We share our kids proudly. Thank you Noreen and Crystal Healing House for answering your call to use your beautiful family home to gather us. As life goes on and we get busy and feel we have to stuff that empty feeling, but at the retreat your heart opens up and the healing pours out. You definitely are not alone. I would highly recommend this retreat. Noreen is a beautiful, hospitable host. Thank you for everything!! May 2023

The Entire Retreat was Special - Whew! As busy as I was getting everything set up for this retreat, 2 years planning, details, organizing, cleaning and setting up...and more….the minute the Mommas started getting there was such a breath of fresh air. It was instant relief and time to exhale. You would think that would be a bit odd as none of us Momma's actually knew each other personally. The instant bond by our hearts is however immediate, it’s a given. We already know why we are here. All of us equally know the pain and devastation...the fear, anguish and despair. The hard core reality, of the abruptness, void and permanency of our "new life". Everything we know, we all know and understand right off the bat without any words at all. Facebook grieving Mom's behind a phone or computer, now become real, all of their shares, stories and post come together with a face. A face to face connection the feeling we have known each other for years and years. Instantly we hug and hold, with that confirmation of understanding. A smile and some a tear, but all with the sigh of relief. Feelings of instant understanding and validation. The Mommas got to know each other and the life long connections began. It was a beautiful sight to see. Especially the Mommas that drove together... their bond already started (that's partly why we give "discounts" to those who drive together). We shared our Angels, showed their photos, told their stories, our stories... some of the stories very different but we all knew the same feelings, emotions and pain. We did so many great things together! MaryBeth explained the importance, and purpose behind journaling regularly, and how journaling shows a type of timeline in our healing process, to look back on. She lead us in decorating our journals making them personal and unique. We did journaling throughout the retreat experience. We did groups, and grief groups run by Patti G. they were very enlightening. The groups brought out feelings and emotions, and tears. Talking heart to heart and feeling or emotions…crying is cleansing and tears are part of our healing. When you are sitting in an intimate circle with all Mommas who understand completely… something very special happens. Humans who get you, totally, who are sympathetic, empathetic and care about you! It makes it so easy to be you! To be real, honest and forthcoming without fear of judgement, a beautiful safe place for transparency. That's healing. With nature all around, different birds chirping, the leaves blowing and sun shining through the trees...so beautiful and peaceful, completely surrounded by nature. We learned things about each other that will stay forever in our hearts, everyone gave something and everyone learned something. Cooking together and eating as family at the kitchen table was so cool. Priceless. We did some different types of “art therapy" which I have "taught" for years. I have always painted rocks, and thought it would be a fun activity, to paint our Angels name on them. One of our highlighted moments was the rock ceremony and balloon release. This was a very important activity to me from the beginning, a connection with our Angels. I knew I wanted to write messages to our Angels on the balloons and so we did both …We wrote messages to our Angels, and did the Rock ceremony and the balloon release to Heaven all at the same time. It was beautiful. It was everything I had hoped it would be. When it was over I was left with a feeling of warmth, peace, even joy, and love. It was a very special moment I will personally treasure the memory forever. 💜🎈 The entire retreat was special…it’s definitely one of a kind. We were all blessed by other Moms listening and understanding. Part of the beauty of this retreat was the intimacy of the smaller group and the beautiful homey home tucked away in nature’s paradise. The house is roomy beyond comfortable. It is completely accommodating and although decorated in a classic, antique and timeless style, everyone felt right at home. When the retreat was over, I felt so lifted up, a type of fulfillment. I felt understood, comforted and had a new clarity and peace about me and everything. I felt a true healing… I felt so much gratitude. After winding down…within a couple days I started missing the beautiful Mommas I had spent 5 days with. We were like a family and the family atmosphere was the key to this healing and comfort. Such a beautiful peaceful place. Thank you to all the great Moms who were the pioneers of this awesome healing retreat. Thank you for sharing you and your beautiful Angels. You all touched my heart in different ways. Thank you! MaryBeth, Patti, Lynn, Eilain, Denise, Susan and Gina. Thank you all for your part, sharing you, your love and your hearts. The retreat definitely changed me some. I personally feel like a different person, like a new chapter is beginning in my life, like I have risen to a new level in healing and in my life. Thank you for being part of this awesome experience with me. I Love you all in a very special way. Thank you! 💜💜💜 Love, Noreen

I Felt I Was at Home with Sisters. From day one of the Crystal's Heart Healing House Retreat I felt I was at home with sisters. The love and support was palpable between us all. Talking of our children, who they were, brought them ever more to the present and how much we as Sister Mama's each devotedly loved our children. The grief groups were cathartic and really made you go deep to feel and how to share that grief and to live through the pain of loss. I absolutely loved the rock painting class and the placing of our beautiful rocks in the garden and releasing balloons to our children in Heaven. A lightness comes over you and I choose to believe Travis received his. And journaling was a huge plus. Loved the thought of writing what your feeling, good or bad, and letting it go. Even if it's just Thank You Jesus. The Mandala class actually taught me to center and concentrate and to block everything else around me. I would recommend this Retreat wholeheartedly. Each will get what they can from it and help the healing process. And the friendships made with this group of phenomenal women has been amazing. Thank you Crystal and Angel Momma Noreen 💜💜

This is a Start for My New Life. When I got to the retreat, I was broken, depressed, anxious and thought my life was over. Today is my last day and the retreat totally changed me. I now have hope, joy, and a desire to live life again!! I made lifelong friendships, I learned that it is ok to grieve, and I have a new perspective on life for the future! Before I came I couldn’t even get out of bed and now I have a reason to get up and go. The house is a beautiful home that Noreen welcomed us into. The group was small enough to learn so much and get to know other moms intimately. I have never felt so safe to share my true feelings and everyone understood!! I know that this is a start for my new life and that I will be able to help other grieving moms live again! There is life after loss after all!! I would have never have believed it!! I love everyone I met and I loved the retreat. Love, the new Lynn.