'Giving garage sale' to help pay for headstones

HAYDEN - Today, like every day, Amanda Mitchell will think of her daughter, Halle Grace Marie. But this day is special. March 25, 2010, would have been Halle's fifth birthday. The baby girl died of a rare genetic disorder on May 28, 2005.

HAYDEN - Today, like every day, Amanda Mitchell will think of her daughter, Halle Grace Marie.

But this day is special. March 25, 2010, would have been Halle's fifth birthday.

The baby girl died of a rare genetic disorder on May 28, 2005.

"I want her to be remembered," Mitchell said. "She only lived two months, but her memory will live on and affect other people's lives."

Mitchell, a 1999 Kellogg High School graduate and class valedictorian, gave birth to another daughter, Emma Faith Noelle, on Dec. 20, 2005. But Emma, like her sister, died of that same genetic disorder, lymphatic dysplasia, three weeks later.

It was the beginning of a four and a half year struggle for Mitchell to regain her hope and faith.

"It took a miracle for me to start even looking for healing because I really was lost in my own despair," she said.

The 29-year-old found her way back with the help of family, friends and prayer.

"I know part of my healing will be helping other people," she said.

This Friday, she's hoping to raise money with a "giving garage sale" to buy headstones for her daughters, and help other families and women in need.

The sale will begin 5 p.m. Friday at 9198 N. Torrey Lane. It continues 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Most items will not have a price. People can decide what they believe each is worth. A few more expensive items donated for the event will be priced.

"The only thing I ask, that things are going to good people that need it," she said.

The event isn't just about raising money.

"This is also helping myself heal, finally being able to give back something to all the people that really supported me through it, even silently," she said.

Mitchell said she has learned that, while she still has difficult days, there is always hope. She wants to use her experiences to help others through their own struggles.

"Someone who has walked through really dark times can sometimes shed more light on a situation, and actually give people a glimpse of hope when they can't hope at the time," she said.

Mitchell can be reached at amandamarie26@hotmail.com