

So when, this January, a very good friend of mine texted me that she was thinking of me and praying for me and my family on this difficult day…. I barely remember much from that week of planning and the day of the service. I know that much because by the time the doctors at the hospital tried to save Matthew and then we waited for the organ donation logistics to be figured out, we were at the hospital with Matthew until 12/29/17. Matthew’s service was at the beginning of January.

I can’t tell you how comforting it was to read that. Also, you are the first person to say that you didn’t even have the day of his memorial service as a milestone. That made Christmas Eve and Christmas quite difficult this past year. Writing has been the foundation of Emily’s healing, and she is currently working on her first book.Įmily, I didn’t realize you son got sick on Christmas Eve mine did too. Her passion is supporting other bereaved parents walking this path and educating others in an attempt to shatter the stigma surrounding grief and life after child loss. She felt this was an opportunity and calling to help fill in that gap. Feedback resonated that the support out there seemed to focus on infant/baby loss and miscarriage versus older children. She began sharing her grief journey on her blog ( ), and the response from other bereaved parents was overwhelming. As he died in her arms, she promised to find a way to live on in his honor. Within 24-hours they were making the hardest decision of their lives to withdraw life support. Her oldest child, Cameron (forever 7), unexpectedly got sick. Late Christmas Eve (2015) life was sent on a new, unexpected trajectory. Photo Credit: Pexels | CC0 Creative CommonsĮmily is a wife and mother to 3 children – 2 girls here 1 son in heaven. I just wish I had a little more control and awareness over when they will show up. These are the things we must learn to navigate. It’s impossible to prepare yourself and predict when one will be a trigger. I understand why many choose to leave the world of social media following their loss.īetween old memories and constant images of happy families, reminders of what you are missing, there are so many minefields. My heart felt the same hopeless feeling that flooded it for months following his death.Ī new milestone was claimed. How easily we can slip back into a moment and have it feel so real… as if no time had passed. With each post, my wound was ripped open raw. There is something to be said for grief amnesia. Yet, I was reading them with fresh eyes as if it were the first time. To be honest, I was in such a fog at that time I don’t even remember what day his memorial occurred. Yet, I realized I never tracked this date as a milestone. There are certain days I know what to expect. Today, my heart immediately dropped into the pit of my stomach. Like a friend pulling you in for a hug and a walk down memory lane.Įven now, a scroll through posts of old has the ability to warm my heart and bring a smile. Your pitch always seems so inviting, “You have memories.” I didn’t realize today was the 3-year anniversary of my son’s memorial… until you shoved it in my face. 3.) Have the toys easily accessible.Oh Facebook memories, we have a love-hate relationship.
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It’s much easier to pick up toys and keep them organized when the storage is handy and easy. At the end of the day, the bins make it so easy to clean up. Make sure to have them all set to go when the grandkids arrive. Time will tell how successful I will be! 2.) Be prepared with storage bins or baskets.ĭon’t wait to get the plastic bins or baskets. Exceptions being games, crayons/markers, etc. To keep things under control, and not run out of room, my goal is to get rid of something every time I add something new. As the kids outgrow what we have, I will donate and replace. Before I buy any toy item, the first thing I ask myself is “where am I going to store it?” My best storage tip is to choose stackable plastic bins with sturdy lids in a size that fits your storage space. With the exception of the bubble water table, which I couldn’t resist, all the toys I keep on hand for our grandkids are easily stored in plastic bins. Our two older grandchildren love sidewalk chalk! Tips for successful backyard fun! 1.) Choose easy-to-store items.
