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, (Jill, Kristine, Heather) 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