My office is becoming more inspirational by the week. Many of you wrote to me about my "strength" and "bravery" when sending your sweet baby's photos. By sharing your stories and images with me, you give me that. Usually, when I click on the gallery box to view your baby - I find myself smiling with that bittersweet taste of love for your sweet one and rage at the injustice of the world. Why must babies continue to die?But, I must confess that I have my moments when the sight of your angels brings me to a new bout of tears - a fresh well I thought had run dry.
This week, it happened twice - induded by their dates. I realized just how entwined your children become with my life as I read that Ty entered and left this world on my third daughter's birthday. My breath caught, tears welled - then the smile. And then, I saw sweet Tessa who was born on that same day and died only 11 days later, on my second child's birthday.
It was too much. I allowed the tears to fall. Tears that said, How could we have been celebrating another year of Bear's or The Comedian's lives while these parents were sitting in shock - in a living hell - somewere else in the country?
I know it happens everyday. I mourn that reality. But it leaves me even more grateful that you are willing to share your children with me - for never again will I take those days for granted, celebrate just for the sake of birthday cake - without memory of your children causing that bittersweet smile in my heart.
And now - The Angel Wall - (as always, please take a moment with each name and date to remember both the baby and the parents who miss them)
WE REMEMBER WITH LOVE:
Lukas John - Left this world on January 30th, 2009.
Ty Gary - b/d January 26th, 2009
Owen Anil - b/d January 31st, 2009
Baby O - March 14th, 2008
Austin Nicholas Barthen - Born: 2/26/81 Died: 9/16/05
Tessa Marie - Born: January 26th, 2009 ~ Died: February 6th, 2009
Birdie Amiina - b/d March 3rd, 2007
Justin Edward Porter - b/d May 8th, 2008
