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
child loss
Finding Happiness
The last five years have been anything but easy. Our family has suffered through countless tragedies and major stressors. Sometimes a smile after all of that can feel impossible to find. Happiness can seem elusive or like its all together a myth. I am not the same person I was five years ago. At that point … Continue reading Finding Happiness
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
A New Normal
Our family has had to work through difficult transitions countless times over the years. And each one is uniquely hard on all of us. I will never forget the feeling of trying to re-establish our family after Olivia died. We went from a family of four to a family of three in moments. Wyatt lost … Continue reading A New Normal
Kindergarten
Just a few minutes ago I finished registering my oldest son, Wyatt, for Kindergarten. My biggest little boy will turn 5 next month and then start Kindergarten in the fall. Where in the world has the time gone? Words can't even express how proud I am of this young man. He is so tender-hearted and … Continue reading Kindergarten
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
Post Holiday Blues
The day after Christmas I woke up with a familiar ache. My heart longed for my little girl and I spent the whole day in a funk. Nothing and no one made me happy. All I wanted to do was hide under my covers and cry. This is the reality of child loss. Sometimes the … Continue reading Post Holiday Blues
Beauty From The Ashes 