Testimonials

On Saturday our family hiked up to the top of Fresno Dome and released Bill’s ashes to the wind. I had given my three Scarf of Tears to our daughter, Bill’s wife, and a very close friend. It was the anniversary of Bill’s death. The scarves help us hold the memories as well as our tears. LeAnn tied the scarf around her straw hat and will take Bill to far and exciting places.We all will hold our memories close .Thank you so much for sharing your healing work and art with us.Knowing how helpful the scarves are for us, I’d like to order two more.

Billie Heisinger, from Coarsegold, California

I used to carry my Scarf of Tears in my lab coat pocket at the hospital. Just touching it would offer me a way to keep my tears real beneath the surface.Now my Scarf of Tears is draped on my shelf where I can see it. When I wrap it around my neck, I can feel it give voice to my grief, cleansing my grief out of my body, and I see a sense of inner peace….

I was given a Scarf of Tears after a loss several years ago, and have since given them to others. Not only is the Scarf itself a great source of comfort, but the exquisite pamphlet and inspiring story of Donna Fado Ivery, the creator and artist, is like a healing balm during the tender time of grief. The silkiness of the scarf, the beauty of the colors and the words of the artist provide a depth of comfort and gentleness so needed during times of sadness.

Gretchen Dunoyer, from Massachusetts

I used my Scarf of Tears in my ritual to overcome child molestation. It hangs on my marriage bed.

Angelika Chavez, a licensed therapist from Oregon

Thank you very much for rushing the Scarf of Tears.My girlfriend’s 27 year old brother was killed in a snow mobile accident and she’s having a real hard time.The only thing I could think to do to help her was to get one of your Scarf of Tears, besides being there for her.I am positive it will help, like it has with my boyfriend who watched his brother crash in an ultralight plane 5 years ago.Thank you very very much.

Mary Beth Marsden, from New Hampshire

I presented the scarf along with your card to my dear friend’s husband who died on Friday. He was so grateful and he kept the scarf in the room where his wife was laid out.He confided that he had already used the scarf and would keep it close to him in the weeks ahead and months to come.I was delighted and overjoyed that your precious Scarf of Tears was such a comfort to him.

Kathy, from Minneapolis

My husband and I gave the Scarf of Tears to a friend of ours, who lost her life partner, suddenly and tragically.As she has had to face difficult times since then dealing with his death, she carries the scarf with her.I’ve heard family members offer her tissues and she says, “No thank you, I have my scarf.”

A couple of weeks ago, Jeananne told me that she has carried the Scarf of Tears with her everywhere, and that it has seen a lot of miles as she has traveled.

I thought of you a number of times, when I’ve seen Jeananne wiping her eyes with the scarf you made. I can’t imagine the pain of losing a beloved life partner, but this scarf has been a source of comfort and courage for her to survive this ordeal. My husband noticed the scarf too, and suggested I write you about it. I had already planned to do so, so you could share more directly and concretely in the ministry of healing that you are doing through your art. Thank you, Donna. Blessings for your ministry as you continue this very important healing art that you do.

Theresa, a chaplain from Minnesota

Cut flowers are here today and gone tomorrow. The Scarf of Tears is forever. A better gift for a person in grief I have never found.

. Ellie Charlton, from North Carolina

I know how much the Scarf of Tears have meant to the people I’ve gifted them to. I know because the Scarf is worn on meaningful anniversaries, because the Scarf is used to decorate a space of remembrance, because the Scarf appears in photos of special occasions. Donna Fado Ivery makes these beautiful symbols of caring not merely with her artistic talent, but with her heart and soul.

Mary Maaga, a pastor and writer from California

Donna Fado Ivery has turned some of her different experiences of life into brilliant creativity and artistic insight. Her work seems to penetrate the boundaries of consciousness and unite us with that which is transcendent.

John Shelby Spong, Bishop of Newark, 
Retired, The Episcopal Church

The Table of Tears touches all of us directly or indirectly and speaks to the power of Godʼs grace. Even when we have been wronged by others, we can decide to let our anger and hurt run our lives or, with God’s help, forgive. Donna’s sermon about the parts of the Table of Tears eloquently describes the brokenness caused by fear and the renewing life we can have when we let go of our resentments and pain.

Greg Carlsson, LMFT Psychotherapist, Pasadena, California

Celebrating communion on this table was powerful. The brokenness and beauty of life in community is embodied in the Table of Tears. Members of our congregation felt their stories were heard and honored. The Holy Spirit’s transforming flames helped us to remember and anticipate Christ’s coming and rekindle the gifts of God in the midst of struggle.

Odette Lockwood-Stewart, Director of Contextual Learning

Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, California