September 2021 | Vol. 31 Iss. 09 factory seconds blowout!
FREE only $
CHRISTMAS BOX ANGEL OF HOPE STATUE AIMS TO COMFORT GRIEVING HERRIMAN PARENTS
50 count box! AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL
11100 S. Redwood Rd, South Jordan
15
or 3 for
40
$
Saturday, September 11 •9AM -2PM
By Karmel Harper | k.harper@mycityjournals.com
W
ith 18 angel babies and only one living child, Herriman’s Christa Benward understands the devastation of a grieving parent quite well. While most of her 18 angels, which all have names, were lost to miscarriages and embryos that did not continue development, she has buried 3 infants in the Herriman Cemetery. Her first baby, Dakota, was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrom in utero. Despite her doctor’s recommendations to terminate her pregnancy, Benward continued and gave birth in June 2000. Dakota lived for 2 days. After experiencing 2 miscarriages the following year, Benward gave birth to Jaydon in 2002. Jaydon also suffered from HLHS. He lived for 10 days and is buried next to Dakota. After suffering two more miscarriages in the following years, Benward became pregnant with her twins, Cheyenne and Wyatt, in 2015. When Wyatt’s heartbeat was undiscoverable mid-pregnancy, Benward was told he would likely be reabsorbed by her body. But Wyatt did not get reabsorbed. He settled in her womb, keeping his twin sister company as she continued to develop. When Cheyenne was born, Wyatt was there, too, and Christa was able to hold him. Wyatt is buried next to his brothers. Benward and 5-year-old Cheyenne, her only surviving child, visit her boys at the Herriman Cemetery frequently. Benward said, “I counted how many children are buried in that cemetery and there are 346 children there who died before the age of 18. My heart just broke seeing that.” To serve the grieving parents in her community, in 2020 Benward spearheaded a Continued page 4
Christa and Cheyenne Benward regularly visit their angel babies at Herriman Cemetery. (Photo courtesy of Christa Benward.)
Tree Trimming & remOval • Stump Grinding • 24/7 Emergency Services • Powerline Trimming • Land Clearing • Demolition Options Available • Organic Mulch Products • Delivery Available
Mention this ad for
% OFF 10 Tree Services
Must present coupon at time of estimate. Expires 10/15/2021.
Contact us today at
Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.
801-938-4345
DiamondTreeExperts.com
Now HiriNg!
From $35K
up to $80K!
Year Round • FULL Benefits • Bonuses Overtime • Paid Vacations • 401k Growth Opportunities
SIGN ON BONUS
Call 801-262-1596 or email trent@diamondtreeexperts.com
Thank You to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals
Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Ogden, UT Permit #190