Magazine
Pin Demonstrates Love and Support for Bereaved
 Through the initiative of Brooke Grove Retirement Village (BGRV) Chaplain Bill Neely, BGRV staff members, volunteers and resident family members who experience the loss of a loved one now receive a "grief pin" as a symbol of their loss and the organization's support during this difficult time.
Designed by Susan Whitmore, whose daughter, Erika, died of cancer in 2001, the grief pin was created to encourage those surrounding the wearer to lend their support and participate in the bereaved's sorrow while also honoring the lost loved one. "In the U.S., we have colored bracelets for every conceivable cause . yet, we have no symbol that portrays a person in grief," explained Ms. Whitmore, who also established The Erika Whitmore Godwin Foundation (www.griefHaven.org). "Imagine how others might react if they saw you walking down the street, a cast on your arm and stitches, bandages and bruises all over. People would be more cautious and thoughtful; they would go out of their way for you. Yet those who are grieving walk around looking normal and healthy when, in fact, they are extremely wounded inside and would benefit greatly from the type of support and compassion an 'obvious' tragedy would afford them." The pin's upside-down heart represents a heart in grief, the diamond shape is the symbol for hope, and the scrolls are an ancient symbol of love. When the wearer is ready, fortified with hope and love, the pin may eventually be worn right-side up.
Susan Whitmore met Naomi Watts only five months after Susan's daughter, Erika Whitmore Godwin, died from a rare sinus cancer. 
Naomi had been invited to a grief support meeting to observe what parents go through when a child dies for a role she was going to play in the movie "21 Grams." In the movie, Naomi would play the role of Cristina, a mother who loses both of her children and husband in a tragic car accident. (The movie, by the way, is not just about losing loved ones, but rather mostly about the intertwining of peoples' lives and how they all impact one another in ways unseen and unknown. 21 grams refers to the weight of the soul when it leaves the body and is a powerful and beautiful movie.) Naomi was especially interested in making sure that Cristina's grief was realistic and showed the world what it was truly like to lose a child. Susan Whitmore was at that meeting.
Susan had been keeping a daily journal of all of her experiences before and after Erika's death, holding nothing back in her writings, and offered to share them with Naomi, hoping that her writings would help Naomi play Cristina in a way that honored grieving parents around the world. Naomi Watts went on to play the role of Cristina and was nominated for an academy award. Needless to say, Naomi truly gave her heart and soul to Cristina; thus, she gave her heart and soul to all parents who know the grief of losing a child.
Naomi Watts has continued to be supportive of griefHaven and The Erika Whitmore Godwin Foundation. She was instrumental, along with Annaliese, her assistant, and many others, in bringing the video, "Portraits of Hope," to fruition. She also participated in the video.
During an interview with LA Confidential Magazine, Naomi spoke of her role in "21 Grams" and the impact meeting Susan had on that role. (The yellow highlighted portion is that portion of the interview.)
LA Confidential Magazine
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LA Confidential Magazine
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