Something tangible...

I came across a website/organization after clicking on a picture of a necklace I liked on pinterest. The organization is Mamie's Poppy Plates.  This is part of the description on their website:  "Mamie's Poppy Plates is a donation supported non-profit, whose mission is to provide tangible mementos to families who suffer stillbirth or infant death."  What a fabulous thing to do for families!  I know from experience the need for something tangible.  Nineteen years ago I gave birth to my son, Eric.  He was born with severe heart defects and died two days later.  There are no memories of first words, first steps, birthdays, first day of school...I could go on and on.  Giving families something tangible is so important.  Had this organization existed nineteen years ago I would have cherished the memento they provide.

As I was perusing the website I noticed that they are putting on their very first 5K.  Yay!  A race!  I love a race!  So, I registered and will be running.

I feel odd putting all this personal stuff out there for everyone (okay, my friends.  haha) to see, but this is something that is very close to my heart.  Go to the website and check them out.  If you can, register for the race.  I'll be there!

http://www.mamiespoppyplates.com/#

Ack! Where did the time go...

 My oldest daughter graduates from high school today.  How does this make me feel?  Sad, happy, proud.  How did this happen?  It seems that time went by so fast.   She was my special baby girl.  She helped me (without her even knowing) get through the loss of my son.  It’s hard to dwell on suffering and grief when you have a little bundle of feistiness and energy.  And she was feisty.  “Spirited” is how I described her.  She is still that way.  I am so proud of her.  She has turned into such an amazing person.  She’s smart, beautiful, funny, goofy as all get out, and compassionate.  I could go on and on.  She is…her.  And she’s not going to change who she is for anyone.  She stays true to herself and her beliefs.  She’s the confident person I wish I had been at that age.  I love her with all of my heart. 

I’m going to cry tonight at graduation.  I’m not one to show my emotions in public, but tonight I don’t think I’ll be able to stop myself.  I need to remember tissues.