Spirit Born of the Infant Hope

The people who buried "Baby Hope" last Thursday represent thevery best of the human spirit and the most profound sentiment of theChristmas season.

The newborn girl was found Sept. 17 in a lot on Chicago's WestSide. She apparently was beaten to death.

Four women - strangers to each other - read the sad story in thenewspaper. Each called the Cook County medical examiner's office,determined to provide this child, in death, the dignity and regardshe had been denied in her fleeting life.

As they planned the funeral, they found an outpouring ofcompassion and generosity. Phil Dane of Burnett-Dane Funeral Home inLibertyville donated a casket. Lakeside Cemetery donated the plot.A local florist donated flowers. A monument company provided aheadstone. A woman brought a christening dress.

Dane's partner, Paul Chominski, went out with a shovel on asnowy day and dug the grave himself.

And last Thursday, 30 people gathered to lay the child to rest.The Rev. Guy Griffith of First Presbyterian Church of Libertyvilleconducted the service, which included a poem written by an anonymousparishioner.

This event resonates far beyond the small circle that gatheredat the baby's graveside. Because of four women - Lisa Schroeder ofRound Lake, Julie Wheeler of Vernon Hills, Fran Ford of Oak Lawn andKathy Sarmina of Lincoln Park - many others will forever carry Hopein their hearts.