Why is there a “u” in Good Mourning?
Good Mourning! Are you one that wakes up excited with anticipation for what adventure the day will bring? For as long as I can remember, that was my mindset. As I walked outside, I would pray for the sun to be shining! Life was good! Five years ago, in an instant, life changed. At…
Things our son knew…
Parents of loss, as children return to school, liquid remains of dreams unfulfilled, run down cheeks into hearts forever stilled. Look up and receive the gifts given only through grief. They are there. MamaC Thoughts shared from August 19, 2015: Yesterday marked ten months since I last spoke with our son Connor. Most things in…
Birthday light.
A true story: Connor was loved deeply. What he taught in life was beautiful. What he taught in death was powerful. He was an immeasurable gift that no one expected to lose. His death was the single most difficult experience in many lives. His loss was an event with no ending. Friends and family have…
Why Good Mourning?
Grief is the shock of loss. Mourning begins healing. Nearly 5 years ago, we unexpectedly lost our oldest son, at age 19. The day of his funeral, this blog came to life. Our journey was written with the intent of helping others understand child loss, through the eyes of grief. Weekly, I receive messages from…
First love, fierce love.
One week before our son left for college, we had a discussion in his room. As long as I live, the magnitude of this conversation, will be remembered. He had taken a risk in our home, that could have easily resulted in a fire. We discussed extensively, how choices in life affect everyone in our…
Connor John ~
Today marks 4.5 years since our son left this earth. Some days, it is still hard to breathe. Today, was one of those days. My heart will forever miss his beautiful smile that exploded everywhere he went. His hilarious jokes and laughter. The endless joy he brought to life. Our children are truly a gift…
The blessing of surrender…
Losing a child changes you. It changes everything. It made us realize we were never in control. It brings humility in one fell swoop and throws you down hard. When hearts are broken, God gives us grace to rebuild. The scar tissue of loss, combined with faith, brings strength that can move mountains. Nothing is more powerful than surrendering your life to the hands of God.
Moving Day
When my pregnant, swollen belly was contracting just minutes before our son was born, I cried out that I certainly could NOT do this…I cried out in the same manner the day our son left. People are our gift for a short time on earth. Find peace in knowing that they were YOUR gift. By…
Are you Connor’s Dad?
Recently, my husband was treating our youngest two with dinner out. As they looked over the menu he noticed a waitress looking their way. She stopped at their table and asked, “Are you Connor’s dad?” Surprised, he answered, “yes!” She explained that her college roommate was a good friend of our son. She felt she knew him from the…
Love on purpose
There are nights that sleep leaves me to my thoughts. I lie wide awake with words bursting from my heart. I’m certain these words are meant for someone, so I write. A journey is always better when it is shared. It is truly a love story. Dear friends ~ Love well. Watch the sun rise. …
Good greed?
This morning as I entered Carter’s room for the first time in a week, he jumped up, hugged me tightly and thanked me for coming back to him safely. Thoughts from a child that lost his birth parents, foster parents and a brother that left for college and did not come back. It’s all in…
Eyes wide open
I always joke that our oldest daughter Claire was born requesting scissors to sever the umbilical cord that held her back from independence. She was born without fear. If she made a bad choice, I would explain to her she would sit in “time out” if the behavior continued. The words were barely in the…