Thursday, September 03, 2009

Memories & Ministries



Walking With You was created by Kelly of Sufficient Grace Ministries to help support those who have lost a child. Together we share our stories, helpful information, scriptures, encouraging words, prayer requests, and more. To join in on Walking With You please visit Kelly's blog.

This week, we are sharing ways that we incorporate the memories of our children into our lives and family. We can also share any ministries, outreaches, or just beautiful ways that our children's lives have impacted the lives of others.

Right now we have a few pictures out in our home of Carleigh. All of her keepsakes are in a tote as her memory box that my aunt and uncle are making is not finished yet. We plan on moving sometime in the not so distant future and at our new home I want to have an area that is for both Carleigh and Jordan. I wish so much that I had an ultrasound picture of Jordan to put out. I tried so hard to track down my records to possibly find one but to no avail...

This coming Christmas will be our first without Carleigh here and I know I want to do something in her memory but I'm not sure what yet. I have a little time to figure it out I guess. The day we got her diagnosis (Dec 15) is not too far off from Christmas. Maybe I could do something that date to do something good on a day that brought us so much pain.

I visit the cemetery at least once a week and very often Kyndra is with me. I enjoy seeing Kyndra running carefree around her sister's grave and playing in the grass and dirt. We've been there enough that when I get her out of the van she wants me to put her down and when I do she goes running to Carleigh's headstone and touches it with her hands. She knows which one belongs to her sister, even if she doesn't realize she even has a sister that is no longer here.

I've always known I've wanted to do something to help other families but I just didn't know what. There are already so many great ministries out there and I didn't want to take away from them. I finally decided to do something for my local hospital. The same hospital where I work. The same hospital where we got Carleigh's diagnosis. The same hospital my daughter was born still. I am providing them with Kelly's Dreams of You memory book and the Comfort Bears. (Kelly graciously donated 3 sets of each to get them started. Thank you!) I hope that these items will help provide comfort for families. I also hope that they will never be needed. I plan on providing these items for as long as they are available and I'm alive.

Recently I created a post titled Angel Friends where mommies can find and remember other mommies and babies who have lost, whether they lost their baby from miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, or abortion. Each life that has been lost is precious and deserves to be remembered and recognized, no matter the circumstances. If you would like your baby's/babies' name(s) added to the list please leave a comment on the Angel Friends post and I would be happy to add it for you.

I have had people email and comment how Carleigh has impacted their lives. I love receiving and reading them. It's amazing how such a brief life can make such a big difference. I know the way my life has changed and I pray that hers will change others too.

As far as Jordan's story, even though it is difficult to share, I felt compelled to speak out to save both women and babies. My first time speaking in public was at my local women's center fundraising banquet last October where I gave my testimony and shared my poem. I received my counseling at this center and was able to save a baby's life through sharing my poem. This center is very close to my heart and I will always be grateful to them for the love and compassion they showed me when I was dealing with PASS. I give back to them in Jordan's memory whenever I can.

8 comments:

Franchesca said...

I think it is wonderful that you are giving to your local hospital in Carleigh's name. And thank you for sharing your testimony. We serve a good God. xx

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Holly...I am so sorry to be doing Walking With You so late. I'm terrible at juggling work, ministry, family and life!! I also forgot to add the link to your angel friends page at first. I went back and added it a few minutes ago. So sorry...

Holly, you are so compassionate and loving. You have been a blessing to so many families who are grieving the loss of their precious babies. And, you continue to reach out in love. I consider you almost a part of Sufficient Grace Ministries...and would love to work with you on some things in the future. Thank you so much for your willingness to give our materials to your hospital.

I just feel like the Lord has brought you into my life...and like my heart is knit to yours. You have been such a gift and an encouragement to me, and I love you dearly. Carleigh's and Jordan's lives have touched so many...and it's only the beginning. Your story, your family, and your heart are all so beautiful.

Thank you for your willingness to share your children, your heart and your gift with all who cross your path...

Tina said...

I have an idea! You could get together with your "angel friends" and exchange ornaments with each other.

Each of you could put up one of those SMALL Christmas trees in honor of your fallen Angels & it will be filled with ornaments from your Angel Friends.

You could have a sign up on your blog to do an exchange.

Example: You could get a cute glass ball ornament and paint Carleigh's name on it and send it.....

Whaddya think?

Caroline said...

I think everything you are doing is so terrific. You are a special person & thanx for sharing all you do.I know since I started reading Carleigh's Blog there is not a day that I don't think about you. {{HUGS}}
Caroline

Anonymous said...

Holly , I like the idea of exchanging the ornaments with the friends also think about putting their pictures inside the ornaments and that way you can display the faces of these angels that is with the Lord. I love the idea I remember doing a snowbaby on a tree in memory of Grandma Fessel. she loved them so each year I get a new one in memory of her. Goodluck with it if you go with that idea thatChristina gave you.

Anonymous said...

Holly, me agin hey I wanted to let you know that you want me to sew anything for you for memory paackets of for the center for the families let me know. We could do burp rags, security blankets and fleece blankets sheets and pillow cases and etc. Just let me know would love to help out in that area. Or sewing baby doll clothes for others .just a thought Love ya
Aunt NAncy

Debbie said...

I really like your Angel Friends post. That was such a lovely idea and I bet a lot of women feel comfort that their babies are remembered this way. (I know I do.) ~Debbie

Jennifer Ross said...

My kids always go right up to Isaiah's grave before I can even catch up tp them. It's a nice feeling to know that they keep Isaiah close in their hearts too.

While I was reading this post, I saw my blog button with the other buttons that you have put on your blog. It made me really emotional. I looked at the picture, and never imagined where I would be today with the loss. I want to do my very best to use my grief for good. Like you, I want to "do" something, I just don't know what. I know that their are a lot of viewers of my blog, but they don't leave comments, so I just don't really know who's life has been touched. Thank you for adding me to your angel list.

Much Love,
Jenny

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