Saturday, August 25

Birthdays & Blessings


It's 2:30 am...in 5 hours I'll be 42 years old.

Sometimes my body makes me feel about 90... 


...but in my mind I still think I'm about 20.

It's shocking to look in the mirror... 

...& realize I'm twice that! 




But it’s one’s attitude that counts, right?

I'd like to think that (most of the time) I have a good attitude...

My life is full of blessings & joy~not the least of which are the children in my life represented by these roses...

...I am a very blessed Auntie...

...a very blessed woman.

I'm thankful indeed for so much--my family, my health (such as it is!), and good & faithful friends.

My life is full & my cup is overflowing.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Thursday, August 16

Happy 2nd Birthday, Sweet Boy



So, I made a little  birthday video for a friend of mind. But it is too large to upload to a private msg on FB or to email, so now I am resorting to posting it here. Which is really nearly as private since no one really reads my blog (except maybe my mom) as far as I can tell, which is fine with me. It's more of a diary than anything else. :-)

Today is the day my friend (we've never actually met in real life, but only through Facebook & blogging) gave birth to her 3rd child, knowing since 20 weeks gestation that sweet little Joshua had a congenital heart defect and would face many difficulties and surgeries outside the womb and that he might not make it at all. Joshua was a valiant little warrior who fought for over 50 days and endured many medical interventions, but in the end he went home to be with Jesus.

So today, Jill & her family observed Joshua's 2nd birthday without him there to celebrate with them. I can't imagine how difficult that would be as a parent...I've glimpsed it through my brother and sister-in-law, and know the grief of an aunt who misses a nephew, but I do not and cannot begin to imagine how that must feel to a parent. 

But I do know that I want these special friends of mine, whom I've yet to meet in real life, (JillKristineHeather) to know that they are not alone, their precious children are not forgotten, and that I stand with them in their grief and in their journeys toward healing...through the thick and the thin. Because I love them!


So....



Dear Jill,
My mom is so sweet & knows me well & even went out & got cupcakes for today before I woke up knowing I would want to observe Joshua's birth today. She prays for your family too as I read your blog to her and the funny things Caleb & Hannah are always saying.  My 3 y.o. niece loved celebrating Joshua (& so did my mom and I). She had us put on special party clothes & jewelry...and she wore a crown.

It was not at all strange to her to celebrate my friend's baby's birthday, nor was it strange when I said he lived in heaven with God. According to her, she sees angels all the time. I believe her. :-) 

She also decided that since we were celebrating, that it would also be her new invisible friend's birthday (Wilbur apparently turned 3 today) so that is why she has 2 plates in front of her: 1 is Wilbur's and she did NOT touch his cupcake! I think she thought it odd that Joshua & I shared a plate!

Anyway, I wanted to share a little bit more of our birthday party for Joshua and tell you that I love you and have been thinking of you and Shane today and praying for you both as I know this is a bittersweet day. 

Your little love-bug is never far from my mind and will never be forgotten. 

  xoxo  
Mary