Kent Family Honors Son’s Memory by Donating Toys to Kids Experiencing Homelessness
On Wednesday, the Kent family honored the memory of their son, Finnegan, by dropping off toys to Lydia House for children experiencing homelessness.
It was May 2011, when Robbie and Amy Kent, discovered that the baby boy they were expecting had no heartbeat at 38 weeks. Amy delivered Finnegan on May 25th, 2011, and the family knew they wanted to do something special to honor their baby boy. They decided they would host a birthday party for him every year to honor his legacy and ask friends and family to bring toys they could donate to children experiencing homelessness at Lydia House.
“We started this tradition because, while we don’t get to throw him birthday parties or watch him open presents, we still wanted someone—anyone—to feel the love we have for him,” said Amy Kent, Finnegan’s mom. “That love has to go somewhere. And giving it away in his name has become a way to keep parenting him, even from afar.”
“This year, as we mark what would be Finnegan’s 14th birthday, it’s impossible not to imagine him finishing out middle school, getting ready for high school in the fall. These milestones that should’ve been—we carry them in our hearts. We may not get to experience them with him, but this birthday tradition has become one of the most meaningful ways we stay connected,” said Kent, “Donating to Lydia House in Finn’s name is one of the ways we ‘parent’ him in Heaven. And the loving support of the Lydia House community makes us feel close to him in a way nothing else quite does. Thank you to everyone who joins us in remembering and honoring Finn. Your kindness helps keep his spirit shining bright.”
Lydia House has dedicated a room, Finnegan’s Birthday Blessings, where the toys are kept. When a child experiencing homelessness has a birthday, their parent is able to go pick out toys for their child. The family hosted a birthday party for friends and family this year in honor of Finnegan’s 14th birthday.
“We are so grateful to the Kent family for honoring Finnegan every year by donating new toys to children experiencing homelessness,” said Candace Gregory, President/CEO of Open Door Mission. “For kids experiencing homelessness, they are going through a very traumatic time, and for them to receive a special gift in honor of Finnegan, it is truly touching.”
Written By: ODM’s Kristen
