Despite all of the tragedy we have been through in 2010...losing Jacob, then August, then Cub, I still feel fortunate in many ways. I miss Jacob desperately and my heart aches for him constantly, but I have been surrounded by so much love since his loss. Then we lost August, then we went on the 3 week journey of losing Cub....all of our hope and the little specks of joy we had had since losing Jacob quickly got lost. But the support we received got even stronger. I don’t know how I would have come so far without all of the baby loss Mom’s that I have met since June 1st, without the kind things my family and friends have said and done, and without my husband. Ted has supported me through everything. When I am sad, he lets me cry. He never tells me that I need to move on, he just tells me that his heart is breaking for me while mine feels shattered and he holds me. He doesn’t leave me home alone very often, because he knows I will start with the flashbacks and go downhill if he does. He tries to keep hope alive when I just can't seem to do it.
I have met so many wonderful women. I have never felt so accepted and supported by a group of women like I have by my baby loss friends. This Christmas I have received some wonderful cards and gifts from these women. Looking in the mailbox was the highlight of my day. The cards I received have so many beautiful messages in them and I have read each one several times, often crying each time...and then crying later on when I just thought about them.
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| The cats had to get in on things. It was hard to get a picture without them walking across and knocking the cards over. |
Jessica contacted me and said she wanted to make me a dragonfly for my baby. When I said there were 3 of them, but just one dragonfly would be fine, she went ahead and made 3. I just knew they would be beautiful and they are. Each one has a baby’s name and date of birth on the first 2-3 beads of the body.
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| Jacob's dragonfly |
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| August's dragonfly |
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| Cub's dragonfly |
Each star of this ornament has the initial of each of my baby's first names. The back of the top star says "Forever" then the next star says "loved" and the next says "missed".
I bought this ornament for Jacob. I will buy one for him every year.
This was our tree before my family came over.
I was perfectly happy with the tree the way it was, above. It took me a long time to put the tree up, but I did it because Ted wanted it up, I wanted to hang the ornaments I received, the cats love it, and everyone was at my house for Christmas. I guess it looked a little empty (so my sister's said), but it seemed telling of our lives, which revolve around our babies who made up the most important part of 2010 and of our lives.
Here is the tree after my sister's decorated it. My only request was that Jacob's (and August and Cub's) ornaments stay where they were).
Thank you to everyone who made the holidays easier. Every little gesture, every card, every gift and every kind word and thought means the world to me and will never be forgotten.
12 comments:
what beautiful gifts. Thinking of you and your sweet babies often <3
All of your decorations are lovely but I love the star one with all of their initials on it. Where did you get it??
beautiful!
I am so happy that so many remembered with you. Your tree looks so pretty with Jacob's, August's and Cub's ornaments prominently displayed!! It is so nice when people remember our children, I sometimes wonder if they know how much it means to us. I love that your family was so supportive over the holidays and of course, Ted who continues to be your knight in shining armour. Much love to you tonight and always, my friend. ((hugs))
Love that you are feeling supported, Dana. You truly deserve it, sweetie. Your ornaments and gifts are beautiful. Thank you for sharing. ((hugs))
Such beautiful ornaments to represent your three angels! I'm glad there is so much support surrounding you!
Beautiful gifts and ornaments.
I am so happy that so many people sent you cards and gifts for you and your babies this Christmas. You have so much love in your heart, and you have touched so many others. The cards and gifts are so beautiful and such special commemorations to your angels and to the friendships that have been created. Sending you love!
That is so sweet, I'm glad you had some comfort over the holidays. I love the ornaments and the dragonflies. I'm disappointed, it doesn't look like you got my card I sent you. My holiday gift exchange partner hasn't gotten the gift I sent her yet either.
This post just warms my heart. I love all of the cards and gifts you received... and I'm so glad they bring you some comfort.
I've been on the lookout for a ladybug ornament - hopefully I can find one next year. I love your idea of adding an ornament each year.
I'm hoping the new year is gentle on you so far - you are never far from my thoughts and prayers.
I love the title of your post. It sums up the experience most BLMs had during the holiday season. It was a sad Christmas but what brought us through it was the wonderful support of family and friends and fellow mamas. The small gifts, cards, kind words, thoughtful prayers. All made a difference. I'm glad you had this great fortune. <3
You have so many beautiful things to remember your children by. I'm so sorry for your losses. The community of women that are available when you lose a child is astounding. I could not have grieved for Claire properly without the support of all my new found friends who understand completely with what I am going through. I am thinking of all of you as I read through your blog and hope that 2011 treats you and your family well.
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