The East County Californian: On the Wings of Baby Angels
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By Erin Clark | January 10, 2003
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Since 1999, El Cajon resident Kelly Paradise has buried 33 babies--not her own children, but those who have gone unclaimed after their deaths. Four years ago, the bodies of unclimed children passed into oblivion with no ceremony of goodbye, no celebration of their brief lives, not even a name.
All of that has changed since the Garden of Innocence, of which Paradise is a founding member, was created. Following a 106 plot donation by the El Camino Mortuary, the garden has been dedicated to the unnamed babies who come under the County's indigent death classification -- that is, those people who are not claimed after they pass away.
Each child that comes to the Garden of Innocence is buried either in a casket or is cremated and interred. According to Paradise, each child is given a name, poetry, a dignified burial and a resting place. "Once you have been to a ceremony and watch the dignity with which thee children are handled and buried, you can't not be moved," she said. Local pastors and church choirs volunteer for services, and the Knights of Columbus provide an honor guard for the ceremony.
The non-profit organization has committed to buy another 600 plots adjacent to those currently in the garden--but they need $32,000 to make the dream a reality.
The Garden of Innocence's fundraising goal is to meet 32,000 people and have each person give one dollar. So far, they have raised $2,000.
The organization's babies come from all over the county, but according to Paradise, East County has been by far the most supportive of the cause. "Everybody seems to think that when you cross over that hill that you have to break out the cowboy boots and pistols because it's couboy country," she said. "But, it's been East County community members who have been the first givers--not LaJolla, no Scripps Ranch. It makes me so proud.
"That's why I know when I ask East County residents for a dollar for the babies, they're going to open up their hearts."
Those who are interested in donating money may call the garden at 800.760.1776, or visit www.gardenofinnocenc.com
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