Library remembers Harrisville boy's life
BUTLER TWP — The Lutheran SeniorLife Children's Library was dedicated on Tuesday afternoon in honor of the late pediatric hospice patient Aldon Blom and all other children cared for by VNA Hospice.
Nurses, staff, family and friends all gathered for the dedication ceremony, which included readings, music and remembrance.
At age 2, Aldon, of Harrisville, was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a terminal brain tumor. He passed away at three-years-old in the care of VNA Hospice.
In his memory, Aldon's father Josh Blom and Aldon's grandparents donated money to expand the book selection in the Children's Library at VNA Hospice at 154 Hindman Road in Butler.Blom said he wanted to donate to the library's expansion because of his son's love of books.“Aldon loved being read to,” Blom said. “That was a big part of it.”To begin the ceremony, bereavement and spiritual coordinator Kelli Connolly thanked the family for their contribution, noting that the children's section of their grief library is used more than any other.“These books are helpful to me when I talk to the families, helping them understand grief and death,” Connolly said.Later, spiritual councilor Suzie Dalessandro performed “When She Loved Me” from “Toy Story,” Aldon's favorite movie, changing the pronouns to make it special to Aldon.<b> A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com. </b>
