First, may I say these retreats at Crystal's Heart Healing House are one of a kind! I have attended twice for October retreats, 2 years apart. Both times were amazing. I believe I probably got more out of the experience the second time around, as I knew what to expect and probably was more available emotionally to share with others and praise my new sister angel moms and their children. I am hoping to attend again in May 2025, with some of the moms I attended with at the October 2023 retreat.

Noreen, Lisa, and Don were the best at getting all of this together for us. We had everything we needed and wanted at this "home" opened freely to us for the purpose of healing and learning to grow along our grief journey. The inside was beautifully decorated. There were pictures of our angels displayed in a unique way. The surrounding grounds outside were absolutely gorgeous. We had the pleasure of enjoying the fall colors, as well. The wildlife was plentiful.

This experience with others on a grief journey and healing from the loss of a child to substance abuse is a must for those who maybe feel stuck. This was a home, which was surrounded in love, prayers and support. If anyone might be struggling with attending something like this, I understand, as I prefer pets to people these days, but not at Crystal's Heart Healing House. Everything and everyone made myself and my son, Andrew, feel so welcome and included that I would recommend this to anyone who is going through this emotional, never-ending pain. This retreat has helped me heal twice, when I needed it most. I cannot say enough about the positive feelings I gained, with the help of others on the same path, after attending these two retreats. I would love, if there is another angel mom out there who is hesitant about attending, that you would feel free to contact me. Please just contact CrystalsHeart.org, so they can make sure it's okay to contact me, and they will give you my number. (I'm sorry not to provide it here, but no one can be too careful these days because the world has become a crazy place :(. Thank you for understanding.)

I was honored to attend the October 2023 retreat. Seven years into my grief journey, I needed something more, something big, to help bring me to a better place. I was feeling alone and isolated, no one to talk to or really understand what each day is like. Everyone moving on, as is expected naturally, yet it was feeling like my son was forgotten or less cherished because of the way he died.
Feeling desperate and stuck, I jumped on the opportunity to attend the retreat. It was more than I could’ve imagined, every detail and activity well planned and executed by Noreen and her assistant, Lisa. The setting of the retreat alone was warm, peaceful and welcoming. We were made to feel like it was our home for the entire duration. Time was spent nurturing one another and being nurtured. Through sharing about our lives, our children whom we mourn the loss we of, our fears and hopes for the future. Getting to know all of the Angel Moms and their Angels, was truly a gift. Each child was remembered for the beautiful person they are - their big hearts, kind souls, gifts and talents. Their lives not defined by their addictions, abuse of drugs, anxiety, depression nor PTSD. It’s so important to healthy healing to know others who walk in your shoes, without judgment or expectations, where you’re free to feel and be yourselves. The retreat was very therapeutic, relaxing and fun too. If you’re an Angel Mom or Dad who needs something more in relieving the stress and despair of child loss, please consider attending this life changing retreat. Do it for you!

I am so thankful I took time to go to Crystal heart healing house. It felt so good to be heard. And for others to listen to my stories about my son's life. The cabin is absolutely gorgeous and full of love. The rooms are delightful and it's a blast to have roommates. The views are incredible and you will see deer and bears. The therapy sessions gave me new tools to deal with my emotions and ways to journal my unanswered questions. The balloon release is phenomenal and extremely emotional and powerful. Forming relationships with others like me was monumental. I love every singe one of your children. My heart has more compassion and love for others. I feel safe and loved. The retreat was better than I imagined. Noreen goes above and beyond to make everyone feel important. I highly recommend attending at least once. I am already thinking about coming back and I just got home.

My testimony about this Retreat is that EVERY Angel Mom of a Child due to addiction and/or Accidental overdose. The Connection with other Mom's was instant. Pictures of our child on Display was BEAUTIFUL. Our Angels ranged from the age of 19 to 48 years young.

Go! Just Go! It was exactly what I needed and God knew it. I was a different person when I left than when I came. I am grateful for all the wonderful Angel Mom’s I had the pleasure of meeting. We laughed and cried. We shared memories and hugs. We were all different but had one common denominator, we lost a child. Some lost recently and some many years ago.
When you are ready to heal or talk this is the place. There is no judgement but shared pain. Lots of things to keep you busy but freedom to do as you please and are able. This is not a hotel but a home and Noreen is the perfect hostess. Lisa, Noreen’s Assistant is always around to help with any need. This is Crystal’s Heart Healing Home and a blessing if you choose to come. Choose a blessing!!!!!
Linda