A Third Birthday is on the Horizon

Jeremy's birthday is quickly approaching. We plan to spend the day honoring his life and the gifts that he left within our hearts until the days when our family chain is reconnected.

Many have asked so I will share our personal thoughts on how others might choose to honor our son, Jeremy's, life alongside us this year on what would have been his third birthday. Please bear in mind these are merely suggestions and are not presented in any particular order of importance, each and every has a special meaning...

1. Call the Red Cross and give blood or platelets. There are a handful of folks already signed up and I am sure the Red Cross would welcome many more. Sadly, we have not organized this event on our own again this year but you CAN find a drive that is currently in place in area near you. Jeremy needed more units of blood and platelets than I could ever count. Giving life to someone else in great need in memory of Jeremy couldn't please us more . We would welcome help to organize a blood drive in our area if someone is willing to take that project on. I am willing to help but cannot take on that task alone.

2. We plan to donate books to the library within the hospital again this year. Our nuclear family have each chosen a title that has special meaning to us to share with other children that may utilize this wonderful resource at the hospital. We welcome other family, friends, and prayer warriors to please feel free to donate a book in Jeremy's memory and join us in providing comfort to other sick children. When the pain is so great that words do not come easily to speak, it is comforting to read books to your child. The children are in turn more peaceful and comforted by the sound of loving and familiar voices heard above the many hospital noises. Perhaps you have a children's book that you hold special in your heart that you might be willing to share?

3. I would have loved for this to have had more fanfare because it truly is a wonderful thing, but none the less, Jeremy's foundation is now legal and officially recognized in our state. Folks may wish to make donations in Jeremy's memory to The Rays of Sunshine Foundation to help other critically ill children and their families who are currently in need. A website is currently under construction. Checks may be made payable to The Rays of Sunshine Foundation. All proceeds are used to support critically ill children and their families. More information is sure to follow soon.

4. Another consideration would be to support the hospital directly and earmark funds to the PICU, Cardiology, or Child Life.

5. We also whole heartily welcome and encourage support for the Believe In Tomorrow Children's Foundation. We will be forever grateful for their part in our journey and will always remain connected to this foundation in whatever capacity we can.

6. Pray. We ask for prayers for peace and comfort. There is great joy and great sadness both on the same day. There is great exhaustion in balancing the two ALL month.

7. Take a moment to ponder the impact Jeremy may have had on your life. If you would be ever so kind to share those experiences with us, even anonymously, through this blog, snail mail, or even email, it would mean more to us than you would ever know.

8. Love...love those that are near and dear to you without abandon. Make each moment count...

Thank you for reading, listening, loving us, your prayers, encouragement, generosity, and more than we could ever express on this blog. We are forever changed and forever grateful for so much.