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
childhood cancer
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
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
Here’s To 2017
The common consensus seems to be that 2016 was a tough year. There were serious hardships. Down economies. Trials. And a lot of grief. This sentiment rings true for our family too. 2016 was a tough one. As 2017 kicks off I am ready to leave the past year behind. While 2016 brought forth a … Continue reading Here’s To 2017
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 