Remembering Malachi

It is hard to tell someone how it feels to have lost a child. Apart from the emotions you never knew you had, could have, or never even wanted to know about period, there is a lot of emotional and spiritual growth that you inherit. I know I have talked many times before about feeling so lucky that Josh has brought me in touch with so many wonderful people, and I am grateful for all experiences I have been given, and would do everything all over again in a heartbeat. One friend that I have not yet met in person, but has held my hand in so many ways is Marissa. Marissa lost her son Malachi 3 years ago today. I remember so clearly following her blog, fighting with all I could from afar for Malachi and his family. I had recently learned I was pregnant and it was morning time, I was in the kitchen, had just finished reading a post or maybe it was email, I don't remember, but Phil had walked into the room and asked what was wrong. I had shared their journey and showed him pictures, so it was no surprise when I turned falling into his arms saying "Malachi! How can this be! Its not fair!" Of course, tears stream down my face as I write this, but to have a bond with someone that you haven't met before and feel so much pain, love, and desire to be there to comfort was overwhelming. Our relationship only grew from there as we have journeyed through grief together. Marissa is such a graceful person, and her entire family is wonderful. I often feel like she is an old college room mate that moved back home that I just don't get to see that often. She has challenged me spiritually and emotionally and has allowed me to grieve along side someone else, has shared some great books, and has allowed me to know that we are okay and God is in control. I love watching Emma and Jackson (born 11-11-11!) grow. So today, I ask to take time out of your day, pray for those that may need some comfort, and don't be afraid to reach out to someone that may be in need of a hug, a laugh, or a knowing teardrop. I promise you won't regret it. Thinking and praying for your entire family today and always.

For God, who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness,' has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.-2 Corinthians 4:6

As we were remembering Malachi and his family today, we also went for an early morning breakfast picnic at Assumption, okay so it was donuts, not a big old breakfast, but it was also 8am on a beautiful day. I love the picture of the kids laying on the blanket and the rays of light just beaming down over them, you can feel the warmth and presence!

Happy Mother's Day! (belated)

4th Annual Charge for CHARGE 5K

Thank you to Lisa W., we have the registration form on a pdf/link that I am able to post here! New location, but hoping for a great day in memory of Joshua, the first to make me Mommy! Happy Mother's Day! Mommy loves Joshy.

Monkeys, karate, fish, and the zoo!

Going back to Arbor Day, April 27 for those non-Arboretum people, we went to where else but the Arboretum to celebrate! Curious George was there as well so we were able to meet up with Auntie Miya, Nathan, Jake, and Grandma for the morning. Of course before leaving Joey insisted we check to see if the tadpoles were there yet, and they were! He also convinced Grandma, Jill, and I to go play on the ropes and bridges. We did some tree crafts (tree cookies so they were called), planted 2 trees in newspaper vases to take home, and we kept running into George! George picked up Joey and Jill's birds that Grandma got them and listened to them chirp which they both thought was really cool. Joey is very into Curious George and he is going to be the theme to Joey's 4th birthday party this summer. We also were able to see the newly installed memory brick that Auntie Miya and Uncle Mark had placed as a memory of Josh. Joey found it right away, and it is perfectly placed! Thank you Uncle Mark and Auntie Miya it is a perfect way to have him with us at one of our favorite places to visit! The next day we went to Andrew's Karate Graduation. Joey had a sign he held in the audience to cheer for his buddy Andrew as he graduated to an orange belt with white stripe...and it was velcro! Andrew was really excited about that! Congrats karate kid! Daddy decided it was time to invest in a real fish tank with a filter and a bit bigger than the goldfish bowl we had before. So we headed to the store to get all the fixings for a nice home for our zebra fish. Luckily they had a 30 day guarantee being a bit stronger than goldfish, because we are currently on round 3, even after bringing in water samples that say the water is just fine. So we may give it another go this weekend with a new filter and our own test kit. Joey and Jill refuse to name any of the fish we have gotten so the names keep being transfered. We've had two fish at a time so their names have been "Hank" and "Nobody." At least the tank has a blue, white, or blue and white light you can turn on so it makes it fun to look and listen to the bubbles! Joey and Grandma also joined me on a very cold, windy, and busy day for a race in Kenosha, they were super troopers for sure, thanks! This past Sunday we hit the Brookfield Zoo with Uncle Mark, Auntie Miya, Nathan, and Jake. Unfortunately we were rained out a little early in the day but we did get to see the dolphin show and had a fun morning with them as well. The pictures don't quite show it, I think the camera comes out and the smiles go away with these 3, but they did enjoy themselves! We will have to try to head back there again sometime soon!