We Remember...

Technical difficulties have once again occurred. I am learning more about this blog world as we speak. I suppose some people saw a new title listed and then were unable to find text to go along with it. Guess what? The same thing happened to me... sadly I spent a fair amount of time journaling about a significant event that we attended last week only to find an empty text box today. AHHH...

So here goes Take II

The hospital where our son spent the last 70 days of his life hosts an annual memorial service for the families who have lost their children to tragedies of many kinds. It was beautifully done yet incredibly sad. Time has moved on and yet I still could not believe that we are a family that attends an event like this. It was a time set aside for families to "pause and remember" their children.

The room was filled with parents just like me, suffering the same pain as they face each day without their special children. That in itself was a dichotomy of feelings. If one were to look around, you would feel sad that there were so many families who had lost their precious children, yet there was comfort in that room too. These parents are facing the same pain and suffering through the severe emptiness in their hearts too. It was a place to "be real", no acting, no white lies, no feelings of people not being able to understand. It was a very emotional evening but as I continue to spend time with these other parents, I find it is also a breath of fresh air. It is yet another provision that God has provided for me. He has provided me a support system. I am sad that other families feel this hurt. I wish no one else ever had to feel this pain. Sadly, I have learned that it is part of life here on earth. I am thankful for the new friendships that I have formed with these parents and I am humbled to endure this storm together.

I am thankful for the opportunity to hear my son's name called and to know that he has not been forgotten.

I am thankful that so many compassionate people worked hard to make a night like this possible for families. It was unforgettable. Your efforts and time were greatly appreciated.

I was thankful for the opportunity to see the many expressions of grief that other families have shared.

I was thankful for the opportunity to write Jeremy's name on a quilt which will hang on the wall in the hospital.

I was thankful for the openness of the other families and their willingness to share their stories.

I was thankful for the photo slideshow. It was a moving experience to see the children.

I was thankful for the poems that two special siblings wrote and shared with the group. You could feel the love in their hearts.

I am thankful for the parents who are able to remember the early days of their grief and events from the first year. I am thankful for their willingness to share that pain in order to help another parent. It has been a tremendous support system and I am ever so grateful to have a "sponsor" if you will, to check in with from time to time.

I was thankful for the continued support of our hospital family. It was wonderful to see one of Jeremy's doctors and a very special nurse. I was touched that they took the time to attend and to visit the families. I was brought to tears hearing that they remembered Jeremy. I was also thankful to hear that other families "grieve" the loss of the relationships formed in the hospital. I deeply miss our PICU family and wish there was an easier way that we could stay in touch better.

I was thankful for our extended family and prayer warriors that were physically present and also for those who were with us in spirit. I am also thankful for their visual support as they ALL wore yellow in Jeremy's honor.

I was thankful to find a yellow dress to wear and for my son's help in finding it. I enjoyed a special evening shopping with him.

I was thankful for the kind friend who shared her shawl with me since my dress was sleeveless.
Our budget thanks you too!

I was thankful for the yummy chocolate covered marshmallows. YUMMY!

I was thankful for the beautiful flowers that I was able to bring home.

I was thankful for the craft that my other children were able to make to express their emotions of the evening.

I am thankful for my Lord and Savior who has carried me to this place in my life. He has been my source of strength these last eleven months. I am thankful for the ultimate sacrifice he made so that we may have eternal life with him in heaven.

All in all, it was a beautiful service that honored the lives of some very special and brave children. These beacons of light have taught us all so much about life.