Outrage grows as Aussie parents reveal an act of vandalism at son's memorial
- Replies 9
Facing the loss of loved ones is a difficult reality that we all must confront. Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that many of our members have experienced their fair share of grief. It's a deeply painful journey, and during such challenging times, the last thing anyone expects is a disrespectful act from strangers.
Tragically, parents Edwina and Anthony Symonds have endured exactly that. In 2018, they suffered the heartbreaking loss of their 10-month-old baby boy, Sebastian—a tragedy no parent should ever bear.
To honour his memory, they placed a memorial plaque near Narrabeen Lagoon, a special place where they could pay tribute to their precious child.
However, the agony of grieving Sebastian's loss was further compounded when the couple discovered their cherished memorial had been desecrated. In an act of thoughtless vandalism, an unknown person had affixed a crucifix to Sebastian's plaque.
Edwina Symonds shared a heartfelt post on a Northern Beaches Facebook group expressing her emotional turmoil.
She wrote, 'I imagine somewhere in whatever religion you choose to follow, there is some sort of rule that says “don't be a lowlife by wrecking other people's property”. If not, there should be.'
Edwina courageously spoke out, emphasising her acceptance of people's right to hold their religious beliefs while drawing a firm line that should never be crossed.
She conveyed, 'Seb doesn't need you to save him. He died already. His short life was glorious, and it doesn't require your attention. Everyone has a choice,' Edwina's powerful words carried a clear message: don't let your choices burden others who have already suffered.
Despite the heartbreak caused by this act, the community has rallied together, demonstrating an outpouring of support.
Local residents have offered assistance to repair the damage inflicted upon Sebastian's memorial. Edwina's husband, Anthony, expressed gratitude, saying, 'Nice to see all the awesome support here, great community spirit.'
In the midst of the painful journey of grieving the loss of a child, Edwina Symonds has found solace in sharing her story and emotions. Through her website, she bravely opens up about her grieving process, aiming to provide guidance and comfort to others who have experienced similar losses.
Before Sebastian passed away, he was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy. Unfortunately, his life was tragically cut short by an unexpected seizure.
Amidst their profound grief, Edwina and Anthony, Seb's parents, discovered solace through the courageous choice to donate Sebastian's organs. This decision turned their devastating loss into a chance to save another family from grief.
Inspired by their experience, they have become fervent advocates for organ donation, spreading awareness and passionately advocating for this life-saving cause.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Edwina urged others to take a moment to check their organ donor registration status. She encouraged those who hadn't registered yet to do so, emphasising that it is a small but meaningful gesture to honour Sebastian's memory.
Despite the act of vandalism, the Symonds family remains steadfast in celebrating Sebastian's enduring legacy and promoting the cause of organ donation. To learn more about registering as an organ donor in Australia, visit donatelife.gov.au.
During these challenging times, it is crucial for us all to embrace empathy and honour the grief experienced by others.
The Seniors Discount Club would like to express our deepest condolences to the Symonds family and applaud their remarkable courage in facing such adversity.
Tragically, parents Edwina and Anthony Symonds have endured exactly that. In 2018, they suffered the heartbreaking loss of their 10-month-old baby boy, Sebastian—a tragedy no parent should ever bear.
To honour his memory, they placed a memorial plaque near Narrabeen Lagoon, a special place where they could pay tribute to their precious child.
Edwina and Anthony Symonds were devastated when they discovered a distressing act of vandalism on a memorial plaque dedicated to their beloved baby boy, Seb. Source: Edwina Symonds
However, the agony of grieving Sebastian's loss was further compounded when the couple discovered their cherished memorial had been desecrated. In an act of thoughtless vandalism, an unknown person had affixed a crucifix to Sebastian's plaque.
Edwina Symonds shared a heartfelt post on a Northern Beaches Facebook group expressing her emotional turmoil.
She wrote, 'I imagine somewhere in whatever religion you choose to follow, there is some sort of rule that says “don't be a lowlife by wrecking other people's property”. If not, there should be.'
Edwina courageously spoke out, emphasising her acceptance of people's right to hold their religious beliefs while drawing a firm line that should never be crossed.
She conveyed, 'Seb doesn't need you to save him. He died already. His short life was glorious, and it doesn't require your attention. Everyone has a choice,' Edwina's powerful words carried a clear message: don't let your choices burden others who have already suffered.
Seb's life was tragically cut short due to a rare form of epilepsy that led to a devastating seizure. Source: Edwina Symonds
Despite the heartbreak caused by this act, the community has rallied together, demonstrating an outpouring of support.
Local residents have offered assistance to repair the damage inflicted upon Sebastian's memorial. Edwina's husband, Anthony, expressed gratitude, saying, 'Nice to see all the awesome support here, great community spirit.'
In the midst of the painful journey of grieving the loss of a child, Edwina Symonds has found solace in sharing her story and emotions. Through her website, she bravely opens up about her grieving process, aiming to provide guidance and comfort to others who have experienced similar losses.
Before Sebastian passed away, he was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy. Unfortunately, his life was tragically cut short by an unexpected seizure.
Amidst their profound grief, Edwina and Anthony, Seb's parents, discovered solace through the courageous choice to donate Sebastian's organs. This decision turned their devastating loss into a chance to save another family from grief.
Inspired by their experience, they have become fervent advocates for organ donation, spreading awareness and passionately advocating for this life-saving cause.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Edwina urged others to take a moment to check their organ donor registration status. She encouraged those who hadn't registered yet to do so, emphasising that it is a small but meaningful gesture to honour Sebastian's memory.
On Saturday, a poignant moment was captured when Ms Symonds shared a video of herself and her partner removing the crucifix from Seb's memorial. In its place, they lovingly placed flowers and a dinosaur figure, creating a new symbol of remembrance next to the heartfelt plaque. Source: Edwina Symonds
Despite the act of vandalism, the Symonds family remains steadfast in celebrating Sebastian's enduring legacy and promoting the cause of organ donation. To learn more about registering as an organ donor in Australia, visit donatelife.gov.au.
During these challenging times, it is crucial for us all to embrace empathy and honour the grief experienced by others.
The Seniors Discount Club would like to express our deepest condolences to the Symonds family and applaud their remarkable courage in facing such adversity.
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hmmmm someone’s idea 
that they should place a religious item on the plaque that's up to the parents, the upside to this tragedy is the give of live through organ donation one has passed that has saved many lives I've been an organ donor since I got my licence put the little red heart ❤ sticker on it and still registered now at 63 years old if they can use my organs after death that would be great to help others as for the cross I'm not religious the person shouldn't have done it it's not their loved ones plaque p.s become an organ donor you don't need them once you have passed 
