Tonight I just want to say THANK YOU for all the prayers, thoughts, and sweet comments this weekend as we remembered our sweet Gabe. I've told several people that it was so much harder this year than last. As Jonah gets older and learns, explores, and does more and more, I fully realize what I'm missing out on with Gabe. And last year I think we were just running in survival mode, and I didn't even have the opportunity to really FEEL anything. But this past week, friends, I have felt it. And it hurts. We buried our sweet boy two years ago today. Every day from April 20th until Mother's Day seems to be another sad memory.
I also just wanted to say a special thank you to Sara, who sent me these beautiful photos she took at the Hanauma Nature Preserve in O'ahu, Hawai'i.
Thank you, Sara. They are breathtaking. (And also, I'm a little jealous.)
Love you all,
Patrice
18 comments:
I am so glad that you guys had a good weekend away - I thought about you often this week and prayed for you tons! I can't image the sense or magnitude of that loss - the only thing that I can say is that my heart is heavy for your whole family.
<3 - Janel
yep, i feel like you. first 12 months was a fog...then after their first birthday we were captivated by a high risk pregnancy and now, just a month after celebrating what would have been their 2nd birthday, its hard. so much harder than the previous 24 months...
i'm thinking of you...
Continuing to pray for you and Matt. So glad you got away and can't wait to hear about your trip! (And by the way, I did sneak a peek at the picture you tweeted of the fried pie - truly one of the blessings of being in the South!!)
I know your heart is so heavy, and you're also getting ready for the big day on Thursday. Praying for God's mercies to be new to you and Matt every morning. And always for Jonah to be healed!
Love from TX!
Laura
I'm glad you were able to get away and spend time together. You've been on my mind and in my prayers this week with Gabe's day and also Jonah's upcoming procedure. I will continue to pray.
Beautiful. I'm so thankful for both of your precious boys.
I am happy that you had a good weekend away to remember Gabe! I can't imagine how painful it is, just keep his memory safe in your hearts & minds! He lives on in you. I, too, thought about you all often this weekend, what you must be going through and what you are all preparing for this week. Jonah, you and Matt will be in my prayers and heart all week!
Peace & Blessings
Crystal
I have not lost a child, but I have had to say goodbye to two mothers. The most recent was just two years ago, and it does seem that it gets harder. I keep feeling like enough is enough, she has been gone long enough, bring her back. Of course, that never works, and she probably would not want to leave heaven, just to come back to earth. But I understand the pain of loss and how it increases the longer they have been gone. Will continue keeping your family in my prayers.
It has been 16 years but my son's birthday, passing day, and funeral day still take my breath away. And I don't believe the emptiness will ever truly go away. I am/have been thinking of you all and praying that the days are kind to you.
I am so sorry you are having a hard time. Saying a prayer for you today. I wonder if you have ever heard the song, I Will Carry You? It is on Selah's newest CD "Deliver Me" It is Audreys song. Audrey is the daughter the lead singer and his wife lost a couple of years ago. The song will make you cry, (I did) but it also is an amazing picture of our little ones who are with Jesus. If you havent heard it you should get the CD or see if you can listen online. Prayers, Cristi
Story I found in the Irish news and thought of you, and how very small the world is...
http://www.irishcentral.com/news/news_from_ireland/Colin-Farrell-agrees-to-dinner-date-with-sick-Irish-girl-91707014.html
The Irish girl was raising money for DEBRA! Maybe you already knew of the story, but reading the Irish news I was like "hey, I know about that from Jonah!"
So glad you got to get away. SML is fairly close to us, and I know several people with houses there. :) It's so relaxing and tucked away in God's beauty.
Oh! You have been to some of my favorite places. The Parkway, and Smith Mountain Lake! I went to 4-H camp there many moons ago! What a pretty area. And fried pies. SIGH! You can NOT find those down here! I have prayed for you guys and thought you of during my days. I am glad that you were able to get away and celebrate Gabe and all the rest of your special family. Jennifer in Southeast, NC
What a beautiful, captivating letter just a couple posts back. I am crying... thank you for sharing inside your heart of loss. Prayers for you from me
I am so glad you had a joyful family weekend alone. alone to think and grieve for Gabe and find joy in Jonah. It's all apart of who you are as a family.
Keeping Jonah in our prayers, as always, but espcially for this Thursday.
Blessings
Patrice,
I am glad you like the pictures :) Just knowing that other people are thinking of your precious Gabe and praying for you (I am hoping) is a small comfort.
On the back of the rock, I wrote "Cure EB" and I will leave it here in Hawai'i on the beach, in the same spot I found it. Hopefully someone else will pick it up and maybe they will Google EB and learn about it, spread the word that a cure needs to be found.
Still saying lots of prayers for Jonah this week.
Sending lots of love, hugs, and prayers your way,
xoxox~
Sara
It must be very hard, but I can't help thinking that if Gabe was alive, there would be no Jonah...
Hopefully by this week end can refresh your mind and continues to believe in God. I love to write this passage for you :
So will your delight be in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires.
(Psalm 37:4)
You dont really know me but I found your page through MckMamma at some point and have followed your story since the beginning--we too have a story just different--my daughter is a transplant recipient and I am nurse--- www.caringbridge.org/va/makenzie --just thought it was strange that you were probably right in my back yard when at Smith Mountain Lake--we live right around the corner---small world--hope you enjoyed our little piece of it--take care nad we are always praying for Jonah!!!
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