A few months ago, my two older children lost their father. It was very unexpected and it's been difficult for them to come to terms with this sudden loss. The funeral didn't give them the closure I hoped for. They needed a way to memorialize their father that was more personal. When we heard about the International Star Registry, I knew this was the perfect way to help them heal. One of the things their dad always did with them, was to take them out to the beach to look at the stars. He could always pick out the constellations and knew all the stories and meanings behind them. So what better way to memorialize him than give him a place among the stars? We already knew he was looking down on us, but knowing his star is up there is a reminder that he is still with them.
The International Star Registry has been naming stars for people all over the world since 1979. The star names and their coordinates are permanently recorded in the book YOUR PLACE IN THE COSMOS and registered at the Copyright Office of the United States of America. There are currently nine volumes of this book containing over 2 million star names! Even big name celebrities like Elton John and David Cassidy have claimed their place in the galaxy. The star has always come with a beautiful certificate with an official seal. This certificate includes the coordinates of your star, the date it was dedicated, and the name you've chosen. Our star was named Frank Edmund Lowe, Jr, and was dedicated on 9/12/14, which would have been Frank's 35th birthday. He passed away just a few weeks prior, so we didn't get to celebrate with him, but I know he would appreciate this beautiful and personal gift from his children.
In addition to the certificate, The International Star Registry now offers a new addition to their package. The Photographic Sky Chart is a collaborative effort between a team of German photographers and International Star Registry and it provides you with a stunning photograph of your star and the surrounding constellations. The location of the named star is digitally indicated and circled. The Photographic Sky Chart arrives in a custom 16” X 20” black frame ready for hanging. My son, little Frank, has the photo hanging in his room above his bed. So even when he's not outside he can look at that star and know his dad is still with him.
I love the International Star Registry. I feel this is a such a unique and personal gift. For my family, it has also helped with the healing process. Both the beautiful certificate with its calligraphy style writing and the majestic framed photo of the star are gifts my children will treasure for the rest of their lives, but the real gift is knowing that their father will live on in the stars long after we're gone.
To learn more about the International Star Registry, I encourage to you to visit their website. You can also find them on face book, twitter, and instagram. Whether you're looking for a touching memorial or a gift for the star gazer in your life, your own personal spot in the cosmos is the perfect choice.
5 comments:
The Star registry sounds like a great way for people to cope along with just being a cool thing to be apart of. I hope they are coping better with their loss.
I agree that this is a unique and personal gift.
That was an amazing thing to do. I can see where that would have a great impact on the children.
This is pretty neat, I would like this for my grandson someday-
I love the Star Registry. I would love to do this for both of our parents who have passed away and one for my Granddaughter. It's such a meaningful way to honor someone.
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