Windows to Heaven

Children of the Heavenly Father safely in His bosom gather Nestling bird nor star in heaven such a refuge e’er was given.

When Luke and Nathan Oakley died, their parents searched for a way to celebrate their lives, just like other parents do. They also wanted to memorialize them.

Windows to Heaven ended their search. Inspired by a Swedish children’s song, Windows to Heaven is a series of beautifully hand-crafted windows from which an artist’s rendition of the brilliant night sky filled with stars can be seen. It is located in the Chapel at Sarah Bush Lincoln.

Silver stars engraved with the child’s name will hang in the clear sky among other stars. Stars can be purchased for $30 each by parents, friends or relatives for children who have died. Only one star per child will be hung. Children need not be born at Sarah Bush Lincoln to have a star hung in their honor, and their deaths need not be recent.

Funds raised from the purchase of stars will go toward bereavement services including literature, support, and individual counseling. For more information about bereavement services, please call SBL Hospice at 800-454-4055.

Windows to Heaven Celebration

This service is open to anyone who has suffered the loss of a child and will feature a remembrance slide show. If you wish to attend, please contact bereavement counselor Dawn Sexton at 800-454-4055 or dsexton@sblhs.org so we can include your child’s name in the slide show.