"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Today I felt more comfort than I have felt since Asher's memorial service. Today was an incredible high for me. I know there is great importance in being still, but today was a very powerful day full of activity. I had been preparing for today all week and in a small way it gave me such peace to be able to do something to "parent" Isaac and Asher. It may sound silly but the actual doing gave me a tremendous amount of joy.
We were greeted by several of March of Dimes workers who had been following our story and some who had just heard of us. Everyone was so overwhelmingly compassionate and kind. It seemed strange though that they all kept thanking us for what we were doing for the March of Dimes. In all of this I guess I feel that this has helped me more than anyone. I am so happy to be able to do something good in memory of my amazing boys. We were approached and interviewed by two television stations who had also heard of our stories. It was healing to share our sons with the world and also be giving to an organization who does so much to help babies to be born healthy.
When we left this morning I cannot deny the disappointment that we felt that though our team had grown to immense numbers our family was not very active in the event. We had a handful, both of our sisters, a couple of cousins and a couple of aunts, but not our parents. I guess because we will not celebrate birthday or holidays with our boys who are in Heaven we expected our family to take this opportunity to celebrate with us. These pictures from today are my way of continuing a baby book for the boys. I take pictures of all the things we do in their honor so that their legacy lives on.
Though we were disappointed, once we arrived in the parking lot and friends and family began to arrive our hearts were just overflowing knowing that all of these people WANTED to walk and support us and the March of Dimes in memory of our boys. When we got team pictures taken we were told we were the BIGGEST team they had photographed so far! We barely fit where they needed us to stand! We had a great time hanging out and snacking before the event and we had a PERFECT day for walking. We walked 6.2 miles around the Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA. It was great to be outside on such a beautiful day, (though despite a sun hat (that he wouldn't leave on) and sunscreen our little redhead still ended up with sunburn). :-(
I am so thankful to the few people today who came to me and reminded me what blessings we have been trusted with and that Isaac and Asher would be so proud to know what was going on in their honor. It made my heart soar to know that thousands of dollars were raised to help give other babies a better chance because of our sweet babies.
I continue to be amazed at the amount of love and the number of precious friends the Lord has blessed us with. I know He has brought all of the right people to us at just the right moment in our lives. Today we have been lifted to new heights yet again and I am so grateful. It has been a day that I will cherish forever and I hope and pray that we are able to continue doing this each and every year! Thank you to all of you who supported us in this...we hope you will consider supporting us again next year you are all part of the legacy of our sons, we cherish your love and prayers!
Praise God!
When the Melanoma gal moves to the Beach
5 years ago
5 comments:
I love seeing all the pictures from your walk. The tailgating looked pretty fun too! I wish I lived closer so I could have been there.
I did donate to the March of Dimes today when the checker at the gocery store asked me if I wanted to donate. I immediately thought of Asher and Isaac.
Best wishes for a good week.
-Jenny
I'm excited that things went well for the March! YAY!
I'm sad that your family hasn't - I don't even know what to describe it as. I guess just saying "has not" pretty much sums it up...
"Family" seems to imply to most people that they have some kind of hold over you, a right to have expectations for your life and to act out in response to how those expectations are fulfilled (or not). While *I* for one see the lack of participation as incredibly rude and selfish, I sort of vaguely see how they could justify it. It makes me even more sad.
BUT my point with all of this is that I see your experience (and my interpretation of events) as a challenge, particularly to "Believers," to offer unconditional love and support and encouragement - even in situations we just don't understand or really know how to deal with.
I'm still praying for you!
Praise God for "shining" down on you and everyone else on your team that day. I'm "happy" to hear that your walk was such a success and that you thoroughly enjoyed yourself that day. Here's to better days ahead!
Take care & God Bless, Nicole
I'm so happy to read that you were lifted yesterday. It is our honor to help you remember Isaac and Asher, and are hoping that we never have to miss a walk!
As for your family, remember you always have two. The family you were born in to, and the family you make as you grow. Most of the time the people that are supposed to love us and comfort us the most don't realize we need them. That's when our other families come in. They seem to be there, no matter what, no matter when. They can be all over the world, or just next door, but they make thier presence known. Isn't it amazing how God finds the people we need and puts them right in front of us?
I am truly honored that you, Howard and the boys are a part of our second family and there isn't anything we wouldn't do to show you how much we care!! We love you all and can't wait to see you again soon!!
-Ging, Greg and Maggie too!
I am sorry for the loss of your little boys. There is nothing in the world that compares to the death of a child. You and your family, and in my toughts, and prayers.
Karen
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