Memorial Day 2011

I put flowers at Leah's grave today. There were lots of flowers there for other kiddos. When I go to her grave site, I am reminded of how many families are grieving the loss of their children, how we are not alone on this grief journey. There is always a fresh-ish plot, reminding me that loss happens every day. I am reminded and thankful that Leah is not really there.

Memorial Day is a good day for remembering.

"He gives and He takes away."

Abi

We attended Abi's memorial service on Saturday. Please continue to pray for Abi's parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. This road of grief is long & hard.

Baby Abi

I'd like to take a second and share a huge prayer request with you guys!

A new friend, Melissa, is pregnant with their first daughter, Abi, who has been diagnosed with Anencephaly. Melissa is scheduled for a C-section early tomorrow (Monday) morning.

Here is a link to Abi's CaringBridge site for a list of some specific prayer requests for tomorrow.

Please pray for Melissa, Danny, & Abi!

Happy 1st Birthday Leah!!

Thanks to everyone who has remembered us this weekend & sent us cards, emails, texts, etc. It has been so evident to us all week that people are praying for us. We have definitely felt God's presence & His peace in our hearts.

As I was reading & journaling this morning, I was reflecting on God's faithfulness to us this past year as well as some of the ways we

have grown & what we've learned. He has, once again, been so good to us. His blessings have come in unexpected ways, but they have been blessings none-the-less.

Of course, we still miss Leah like crazy & would have loved to celebrate with her today. But we are filled with HOPE because of our faithful Father who has never left our side.

This verse kept popping into my mind this morning. I first read it several months ago & decided to memorize it.

I think it sums up our 2010 pretty well.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.

And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,

nor will the flame burn you.

For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,

Your Saviour,

And because I Love You..."

Isaiah 43:2-4

Update on us

The changing of the season has been hard this year. I love Autumn, & this year it has been especially beautiful. With this season, however, come lots of reminders of Leah. I remember specific days while I was pregnant & enjoying every minute with her.

I remember people I saw, conversations we had, hugs that I received, tears that loved ones shared with us, etc.

We have learned a lot & grown a lot in the past year. In ways that we didn't really want to or even know about a year ago. We know a part of each other that is hard to know, yet so good too.

I still feel awkward in social settings. It's still uncomfortable for me. I like to talk less & just sit back and watch more. Grief is tough to deal with in multiple settings, much less talk about it. Not everyone gets it. Stuff that seemed important at one time is not even on my radar as remotely important anymore.

We are approaching Dec 5th rapidly. I wish time would slow down a bit so I could have more time to get emotionally ready for it. We plan on spending the day with each other. Nothing big or major. True to our style, I suppose. Just us. And our memories of Leah. It will be a special day. Honoring her.

Jessica-another update

I've been horrible about keeping you guys updated. I'm happy to report that Jess is doing really good. There was a chance that she would need some radiation to keep the tumor from coming back again. However, she does not need radiation now. So that's a big relief.

Her family & community have blessed them with lots of meals & help with the kiddos. They are all doing good.

Her pain seems to be totally manageable at this point. She is feeling good for the most part.

Thanks for your prayers. The plan now is to have an MRI in February and then annually after that.

Jessica-update

Jessica is out of surgery. The Doctor said it went as expected. So far so good.
Thanks for praying. Pray for a full recovery! Thanks!