Monthly Archives: August 2019

In The Stillness

In the stillness after the loud din of celebration, I pause for a moment. The house is growing quiet, the day waning away. I breathe in, and exhale slowly. It’s easy to get lost in the expectation, the business of preparations; so easy to miss the point.

So here it is, the point: our rainbow is turning ONE. The child we so wished for, hoped for, longed for… we’ve had our living, breathing son for a full year. How can this be? Our darling little baby, the tiny infant we brought home so cautiously and fearfully… he’s grown into his own small little person. A little person who delights, enjoys, laughs… he’s got focus, determination, a sense of humor, a way of healing hearts. This little boy, he’s ONE!

One year ago right now, we were scared. So afraid that the little son we’d watched tentatively on the ultrasound screens, the kicker in my belly who always reassured me, we were so afraid we’d never bring him home like we never got to bring Lucy home……… but here he is, turning one. What a whirlwind it’s been!

In the stillness, like this, I remember what it’s all about. Life is unpredictable, full of twists and turns…. and pain, sometimes lots of pain. But, there’s beauty. Beauty and love. And love always prevails. Our Everett is love. He is the essence, innocence, and beauty in my life… in the stillness, I remember what it’s all about.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Lucy

Happy Birthday, my sweet girl. We begin another year of shoulds and hearts full of unrealized wishes. Our thoughts rest on you so often each day, but especially today. I’m really feeling your absence these past few weeks, and missing you hurts more right now than it has in a while. Watching your baby brother grow into the sweet, hilarious, wonderful little boy that he is has shown us firsthand what kinds of things we’ve missed with you. I appreciate Everett even more because of it, but can’t help but be sad when I see all the amazing things we might have seen you do too. Our family won’t ever be completely whole without you here, but we make up for it with love and determination. Although it’s now been a few years, and a lot of people might wonder how we can still be so sad sometimes, your light shines through so many others and in all of the beautiful things surrounding us. You continue to be one of my reasons for doing my best to be a better person daily. You know all the rest.

I love you infinitely, my little daughter, and I wish you were here to celebrate the beautiful day you were born with cake, gifts, and three-year-old giggles. I imagine what it’d be like, and it makes me smile with tears in my eyes. You are loved, you will always be loved. No matter where you are, my heart will find you. Happy birthday, Lucy Rose… we love you so much.

Love Always,

Mama