The main theme of the song “Seasons of Love” from the play Rent is how is the life of someone measured?  With the recent loss of our son Noah we have had to look at this in many ways.  What was the purpose of his life?  How do we show others who never met him what his one year meant, what he was like and how he loved?  What will be the ripple effect of his life?  Can one year really make a difference?  In Noah’s short life he experienced many things: hikes through Meriden’s beautiful trails, feeding the ducks, flying on a plane, swimming in the Caribbean, and playing on playgrounds at many of Meriden’s parks. He also gave so much to those who he loved.  His life was measured in kisses, in giggles, and in milestones. Now we have found ourselves learning a new way of measuring life. With the creation of our family and community foundation called Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. we plan on doing just that. Our experience in losing a child and our parenthood is not a unique one – many parents who have lost children have contacted us. We are trying to focus on something positive - something that will give us hope.  We look to Meriden’s citizens not just to support this project because of our family and our story but because of its importance to all families.  It is a unique opportunity to invest in the present and in the future.  This project will come to fruition for Meriden’s children right now.  Everyone will have someone in their lives that could benefit: grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, siblings, etc.

In mid August 2006, we began fundraising for this important project.  In the first two months, the community responded overwhelmingly and we reached our year goal of $100,000.00!  So we set a new goal of $175,000.00 and reached that in another two months! We are so grateful to the dedicated individuals in our community who have given their time and talent in fundraising for this playground. We could not have done it without their efforts.   In April of 2007 we received final approval on the future site in Hubbard Park.  Any additional funds we receive will go in a reserve fund for project cost overruns.  Soon, the foundation will be announcing a second exciting project to work on here in Meriden. So stay tuned!

Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. and our pledge to raise a barrier free playground in Hubbard Park is our attempt to pay forward all the support and assistance we continue to receive every day.  We will be able to measure Noah’s life and its ripples through this playground and other future projects of the Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. Foundation.  And for us, this playground will give us something to put all of our positive energy into – a place where we will be able to celebrate the life of our “little man” every time we see a child smiling within its walls.  Is that not how we all strive to have our lives measured?  In happiness, in love, and above all else, in Hope.

By Sarah Bogdanski – Bourdon & Christian Bourdon