There seems to be a common theme in my life these days. I am reminded daily of the need to let go of the old in order to make room for the new. It's taken a long time and a lot of prayer to begin to embrace this idea. I am someone who desperately wants … Continue reading Letting Go
child death
Lifting The Veil
For as many years as I can remember I was living a life with pretend "perfection." To those on the outside it probably seemed like I was thriving. In reality I was struggling more each day to keep it all together. Everything was falling apart. I was falling apart. Last September my world as I … Continue reading Lifting The Veil
This Is Grief
I have been in the chapel at our church countless times since Olivia's funeral 3.5 years ago. But each time I'm in there all I can see is her casket sitting up on the altar surrounded by flowers. I can still feel the tightness in my chest as I walked out the door behind her … Continue reading This Is Grief
A Mother’s Tears
This past week a beautiful little girl who lives just 45 miles away died from brain cancer. Her death has affected me deeply. It has brought up so many emotions as I remember what the week we lost Olivia was like. When your child is diagnosed with cancer you know the possibility of losing them … Continue reading A Mother’s Tears
Why?
Why? Such a simple, but incredibly loaded question. It is the question on the mind of anyone who has suffered through incredible hardship or tragedy. It is the question we ask when we see someone we love or admire going through something difficult. It is a question I have asked myself on more than one … Continue reading Why?
Greatest Calling
I saw a quote online today posted by one of my favorite Christian artists. It said, "God often uses our deepest pain as the launching pad of our greatest calling." This statement couldn't ring more true for my life. Becoming Olivia's mom was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had. Words can't really … Continue reading Greatest Calling
Happy Birthday In Heaven, Darling Girl
Olivia, my darling girl, how I miss you. It's hard to believe that Sunday marked the 4th birthday we've celebrated without you. I never thought your first birthday would be the only one we would get to celebrate together. I will never forget the day of your first birthday party. You were in remission and … Continue reading Happy Birthday In Heaven, Darling Girl
Should Have Been Her Last
4 years ago today was supposed to be Olivia's last chemo treatment ever. After 7 months of high intensity chemo treatments, our baby girl had no more evidence of disease just in time for her 1st birthday celebration a few days later. I can't even begin to describe the joy we felt at that time. … Continue reading Should Have Been Her Last
Two Peas In A Pod
The day I found out I was having twins was truly one of the happiest days of my life! We had been struggling with infertility for a long time and had recently suffered through an ectopic pregnancy. Having twins was a huge answer to prayer. Watching my babies interact with each other was absolutely beautiful. … Continue reading Two Peas In A Pod
The Power Of A Parent’s Grief
There has been a lot of talk in the media this week about the passing of Debbie Reynolds so shortly after the death of her daughter. It's brought up the question of whether or not you can die from a broken heart. As a grieving parent myself I can certainly understand why Debbie's heart just … Continue reading The Power Of A Parent’s Grief
Beauty From The Ashes 