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I've been meaning to do this for awhile now but just never got around to it. I'm so tired right now and therefore cannot think of anything good to say so I'd really like to hear from you, my readers!! Whether you follow me 'officially', leave me comments or emails, or just lurk in the shadows, I want to hear from you!
So please leave me a comment on this post and tell me about yourself. You can leave as little or as much as you like. You can tell me your name, where you're from, about your family, what you like or dislike, and more. And since Thanksgiving is coming up (in America at least) you can even tell me what you are thankful for. I'd love to know how long you have been following us on our journey and how you found us too.
Thank you to each and every one of you that have read our story and prayed for us. Thank you to the many who have left us comments. Each one is read and appreciated so much.
So tonight I will say I prayer and thank God for the support you have given me.
Heading in the right direction!
4 weeks ago
38 comments:
Hi Holly. I am Susan from Central PA. DH and I lost our first child 7/31/09 @ 36 weeks. I joined the blog community about 2 months ago as a means of coping. My blog address is http://jeffsusangracie.blogspot.com - I think you were there at least once and left some comments. Wising you and your family a peaceful and happy Thanksgiving.
well Holly, I know that you know about me already, but what the heck. As you know, I am PJ. My husband, Matt, and I have 2 beautiful children, and 1 on the way. Emmaliegh is a total princess, who can wreck a spotless house in less that 5 seconds. She will be 2 on December 2nd. Just a week away!!! Seth is our angel. He was born on April 16th, 2009 with anencephaly, and lived for a wonderful 11 hours.I just know that him and Carleigh are great friends in Heaven. And of course, our little "peanut" is due to bless this world in May. We will let everyone know what the sex of the baby is, but we are keeping the name a secret!!! As to what I am thankful for, well I am thankful for Everything I have. but most of all, I am thankful for my family and my friends!! And definitely my CHILDREN..all 3 of them!!! Love you!, and this is a great Idea. I may use it on my blog!!! Hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving!
Hey Holly, this is Jennifer from the blue sparrow. We kind of know each other already through our blogs but anyways, I live in southwest Iowa with my husband Ty. I work with the disabled and my husband is an emt/ locksmith/volunteer firefighter. We've been married almost 2 1/2 yrs. I started following your blog in August of this year after we lost our son, Bryston, but Im not sure how I found it. Your story touched me and I was insipred by your story so Ive been coming back every since. I sorry that were in the little club together but Ive met some amzing women, you included, along the way. *HUGS*
Kari here - we know each other from bloggy land :o) I'm in Colorado, I'm 34 with 2 kids and a pug and a pig and a hubby! I cannot remember how I found you. It was a long time ago and was touched by your story and followed immediately!
So many obvious things that I am thankful for, so 2 things that stick out in my mind from this year are: That my husband received a raise 2 weeks ago. And for the birth of my son on 2.14.09. He wasn't breathing when he was born, but they resuscitated him and he suffered no problems from the rapid birth - which many infants do.
I'm also thankful for all my bloggy friends that I have met - including you! I always enjoy reading about all my new friends and hearing from you all!
Great idea lady!
I found you, Holly, at the end of October this year from Anencephaly Blessings From Above. And through you, I have met so many others. It is such a community of us out there. I only wish I knew of all of this (blogs, support groups, etc.) while I was still pregnant. But I am so thankful to you all for sharing your grief and expressing things my heart longs to say. The things I do manage to get out, I write about on www.ouryoungfam.com. I am 29, from Dallas, TX, and I have to precious living boys (20 mo., and 3 years old) and their tiny, beautiful sister, Adelle Marie, who now plays with family and friends in Heaven. She was here 59 hours with me, and was a fierce fighter, despite her tiny appearance. This year I am so thankful for a body of believers who has come around my husband and I in our grief, and for family for soothing our wounded hearts. And most importantly, I am thankful for a God who sacrificed his precious baby, so someday I could be with mine.
What a great idea! My name is Monica. I live in Arlington, Tx. I am married and have a beautiful little girl named Rylee that is 6 day older than Kyndra. We met on Cafemom in the princess group. I have been following you since before you were pregnant with Carleigh and all the way to now. Thanks to you I was intrigued to do a project in Medical Assisting school on Anencephaly and I got an A+!!! Thanks again. I suffered a molar pregnancy back in April, I was 13 weeks but had NO idea that I was that far along. I am thankful for my family and friends!!!!
Hi Holly, I am Ivy. I am 23 yrs old and have a son and a daughter. I know you from the Jan. 08 group on Cafemom. My son, Elijah, was born in Jan. Our second children were also born in the same month. I have been following you for about 10 months.
Hi Holly,
I guess you may know a little about me. I live in Texas. We lost Jenna in May and I found this blog land in July, I think. I think I found yours through a blog or Secret Garden Meeting, honestly I cannot remember. I have been following ever since. I remember when I found your blog I loved the way you described your journey with grief, it was unusually optimistic and very inspiring.
I am thankful... that my move is over! =) and for family and faithful friends. Lots of love! Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Holly. I'm Jessi. I found your blog after I lost my son, Joel, in May. I knew you'd had a loss, but it wasn't until a few weeks ago I actually sat down & read your entire blog. Yes, I started from the start until recent post. I've done that with a few blogs, it's my weird way of getting to know other moms who've had a loss. Makes me feel less alone I suppose.
I live in West Virginia. Married, stay at home mom. I have a son who will be 2 in just a couple weeks, Jules. And Joel was stillborn at 40 weeks at the end of May of this year. I'm currently pregnant again. I'm thankful for the chance to have another baby. We weren't sure we'd be able to have another, so we're excited, amazed, & scared all the same time. This baby is due toward the end of June.
Hi Holly! Well, I feel like you already have read all there is to know about me through my blog, but I guess I'll just put down what comes to mind. I have been blogging since February and love the support and friendship of all my blogging friends. I will be turning 30 in about 2 1/2 weeks and I am actually looking forward to it! Before I started following your blog, I remember seeing your comments on a few other blogs I'd read. I finally started following your blog after you you placed an order for a hat.
Today I am thankful for my health!
Hi Holly,
It's Bree, Ella's mom. Hmmm. What can I tell you that you haven't read on my blog? Well, my husband and I started dating when I was 14 years old. We married almost 7 years ago when I was 23 years old.
I actually lurked on your blog a couple of times before you came over to lend support on my blog. :)
Today I am thankful for both of my babies. My baby butterfly, Ella and the little Jelly Bean growing in my belly.
Hi Holly...I am not sure how i found you but i have been following your story for a couple of months. I have shed many tears here.
I am a stay-at-home mom in PA to an almost 2 year old boy. He is the light of my life.
I am thankful for my family and friends.
Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!!
hey holly! this is Jen, Ella's mom.. I just turned 29 and started dating my hubby when we were both 16! we have a 9 yr old son, and after 4 years of failing attempts, we had another baby! she was born term, appeared healthy and things were great.. until Dec 30th,2008.. she got sick and was gone back to Heaven on May 19th,2009..
I think I found your blog from the secret garden too..I'm thankful for a family that loves me, a husband that gives me whatever I want, no matter how insane and for my lovely blogger friends that get me..
hugs!
Hi Holly. My name is Allison, and we live in Houston, TX. I dont remember where I came across your blog (on another babyloss one I think) We lost our daughter Cadynce on 10/10 due to IC, @ 19w. We are hoping to be able to try again with FET in Feb.
Theres not much that I am thankful for right now, except for one thing. My husband - he has been wonderful (I mean I already knew that,but the last 6 weeks he has been my rock).
Happy Thanksgiving.
Holly, I don't know how I found you or if you found me. I know that when I first started by blog
"For Your Tears" I first found Tuesday's Hope and others. I know that I would go over and visit the people they follow. All I know is that you are a wonderful person. I am truly sorry for your loss and grateful to have meet you.
Hi Holly, I know you already know me, but here it goes. I am Kristin, Peyton's Momma. I have been following your blog for a while now. Your writing is very uplifting. Okay, let's see.... about me... My husband Andrew and I lost our only daughter, Peyton Elizabeth, at 28 days old to Infant Leukemia. I used to be in sales, but haven't felt up to returning to work since losing Peyton. I write, alot. It has been my biggest comfort through this loss. I love all kinds of writing, mostly essay and poetry. I blog at onceamother.blogspot.com. Hubs and I are trying to have another baby, but are dealing with some infertility issues. Despite all the bumps in the road, I am thankful for my husband's love, my great family and friends, and the memories of my baby girl, as well as the beautiful friendships I have made with other blogging babylost mommas. This community has been a huge help to me. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Hey Holly, Its Kristi! From that northern region in Ohio!!! Um Our sisters were friends in high school! You graduated 2 years ahead of me. I started following your blog right after Carleigh went to heaven. I found you on myspace and got the link to your blog from that. First blog had ever read, and now I check every day!! Hope you guys are having a great visit with Hannah, and have Happy Holidays!!!
O yeah, I am a lurker too!!! :)
I'm Christie from East Texas. I have one son who's two and a half and the most wonderful husband. We are expecting our second child in january. I found your blog early on after reading a post you had written on Cafemom. Your story just touched me so much. I first started Cafemom after having a miscarriage in 8/08 and again in January of this year. They were both first trimester losses, but devistating to me just the same. Reading your blog and others like it has given me such inspiration because you are all so strong without even knowing it. I have commented a few times, but mostly lurk because I don't think I have anything really inspirational to say.
I am thankful this year to finally be close to welcoming another child, yet still have much anxiety until the day I meet her. I'm thankful for God getting me through the hard times. God bless and I hope that you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Hi Holly, you know me a little already too, I'm Debbie from New Mexico, I'm married with 3 children. I'm thankful for my counselor Mark at church helping me out. I've been following you from the beginning of your blog, I think, and I found out about you through CafeMom when Jordan's poem won an award two summers ago.
Hey Holly, I'm Ashley from Spring, TX (30 miles north of Houston). My husband Mike and I have been married 1.5 years. We lost our daughter Mackenzie Noelle on 6/17/09 at 41 weeks pregnant (yes, overdue) for no apparent reason...or at least they weren't able to find one. I found blog world about 2 weeks after losing Mackenzie and I don't remember when I found yours but I just thought you were so cheerful despite your tragic loss and that was refreshing. I cried reading Carleigh's story and seeing all the pictures. I think what you did during your time with her in your belly and after her passing was beautiful and amazing and I've been following you for about 5 months :)
xo
Ashley
You know me - mom to an angel who sits every evening after teaching all day and reads all the blogs written by other angel moms and cries for every little one that left this earth before time. Hugsssssssss for your constant kindness.
Hi Holly. I know you know alot about me already. I'm Caroline and married to Paul. I have 4 children Ridge 9, Marie 7, Jennifer 5 and Carly 6 months. I have 2 angels in heaven. I also have 3 step-children Justin 21, Jared 19 who lives with us, Jessica 18. When we are all together it's a whole lot of fun. I recently moved to Carson City, Nevada from the great state of OHIO. I'm thankful for so much and friends and family and knowing God and that he is a big part of my life. Praying that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have been following your blog since I became friends with you on Cafemom I would say since Feb 09 and we were both in the group for April 2009 babies. Our daughter's even have the same name just the spelling is different.
Take care
{{HUGS}}
Caroline
Well, we were in an Infant loss group on Cafemom first ... Then we were in the April 2009 babies group. I'm more of a shadow follower, only because my life is super busy. I'm 24 years old, and married to Bryan, for just over three years. We've known each other for over 6yrs. We are currently renting a house from one of his coworkers here in Mesa, Arizona while we build our credit up, and decide where we want to settle down. It's a three-way race, with here in the Phoenix area, in Tulsa, OK area, or back in his hometown of Beatrice, Ne. We're leaning more towards Oklahoma though...only because we BOTH will be away from family. I have a 2yr old, Emily, who was born Sept. 14th, 2007. She's a little pistol, that's for sure. As I type this, she's fighting bedtime .. and has been for over 2 hours!!! Abigail was born April 6th, 2009 and I'm also expecting again, due July 30th!! I'm an AVID crocheter, I've recently purchased over $1000 worth of yarn ... since JUNE!! It's all stocked up for projects I plan on starting once I finish these adorable angel and snowflake beaded ornaments. They're all going to be on sale on my etsy shop. I'm thankful for having family. I've lost ALL of my friends over the last few years, and the only people I talk to outside of family, are random people on the internet that shares an interest or two with me.
You know me already,lol. But I think the first post of yours that I read was the Prayer Shower, before Carleigh was born. I was fascinated by your beautiful story, faith, photos and writing. I never followed blogs before, yours was the first, now my husband says I "blog" too much (even tho I rarely post).
So I have 5 children, ages 11,10,5,2 and my angel Matthew would have been 7. I'm married 14 years to my wonderful husband and business partner. Living in Long Island, NY. Trying to be a good mother, wife, friend, and Christian. Holly, you are a very special person. Thank you for sharing your journey so openly with us.
Hi Holly, My name is Lisa @ Jasper, Forever our first born. You have left me so many wonderful comments on my blog. I have been reading your blog since I started mine in April. Jonathan and I have been married for 6 years and together for a total of almost 14 years. We live in Florida where I work at a hospital as a CNA and Jonathan works from home, he is currently writing a fantasy novel. Wishing your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Hey Holly - We already know each other through our blogs, but I just wanted send you a comment anyway. I remember finding your blog one day while scrolling though someone else's blog list. I saw the name Caleigh McKenna. I have absolutely loved both of those names for a long time, so I immediately clicked on your link. I've been a loyal reader ever since!
In case you don't know, I live in Tampa, FL, and do medical sales for a living. Josh and I have been married for 2 years now. My four angels and Carleigh are BFFs in heaven. I just know it. :)
HUGS,
Lauren
Hey Holly!! My name is Sara and I live in East Texas! I am married to Tyler and I have two girls Taylor and Addyson. I have been following the whole time with Carleigh and I have "known" you since CafeMom when we had our January 2008 babies! I am thankful this year for health of our family and the promise of God's direction in our lives. God Bless!
Hey Holly,
What a great idea. We somewhat know eachother, which I am truly thankful for.
I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with my husband, 2 sons and our youngest son, Nicholas, in our hearts. We are expecting again. I am 33 weeks today and hopeful and terrified all at once. This community has been a life line for me since our son passed away.
Hi Holly, as you know my husband and I lost our precious twins, Emma and Chase, in August. I stumbled across blogs from someone telling me to visit To Write Their Names in the Sand. I am so thankful for everyone who has helped us in this heartbreaking journey. I found your blog about a month ago and have been following ever since. I love reading about your journey and love for Carleigh. xo
Hi there, Holly-girl...you already know me...but, I'll play along.
I am Kelly Gerken from Ohio...What brought me online to blogland and eventually to you and the story of sweet Carleigh is the desire to reach out to grieving moms through Sufficient Grace Ministries. I am married to Tim, a beautiful manly-man who loves me just as I am, the mother of five children: a teenager who is finding his way and golfing like mad,along the path to finding it, a precocious eight year old with endearing charisma and quirkiness, and twin daughters and a son who dance in heaven until we meet again.
I bare my heart and soul here, in all my grace-covered glory:
http://sufficientgrace-kelly.blogspot.com
I am thankful for the abundant, sufficient, saving, grace that is poured over me by our loving God every day...I am thankful for the gift of being the mother to all my children...I am thankful for God's provision...I am thankful for walking through this life with my amazing husband, and living my favorite love story with him.
I am thankful for all of my dear friends...in real life, and blogland.
Love you...Happy Thanksgiving!
Holly, I don't know if you've seen it on my blog, yet, but you are one of the necklace winners. So yay! Congrats! I need your mailing addie :).
And on to tell you about myself. My first name is Crystal Theresa. My first child, my son, Calvin Phoenix, lives in heaven. I'm sure he and Carleigh have met already. I've been with my dear husby, Louie, since junior year of high school.
I started following your blog soon after I lost my sweet boy on March 5 of this year, though I'm not sure exactly when. I did read through each of your blogs, and it was both a source of comfort and an outlet for tears.
I am thankful for the Internet, blogging, online communities, support groups, and the ability to find inspiration, hope, comfort, support, and validation through the friends I've found through this loss.
Happy Thanksgiving, Holly. ((hugs))
I read, and you already "know" me and my story. But i'll throw out a brief summary...I have 4 beautiful children. 2 walk with me everyday, 2 walk with the angels. I have an incdredible husband, who is everything to me. He has been my strength and comfort through every step of this journey through loss and grief. I've been so lucky to meet some amazing woman - yourself included while I have walked this new path. Thank you for being so supportive and caring and sharing about Carleigh. Shes so very special.
PS...I love this idea, I just may steal it myself. ;)
*hugs*
Hi Holly, My name is Michelle..I will admit I am just a lurker.. I have never commented.. really because I have just recently started following your blog. I am married to my wonderful husband Andrew, we have two children Owen (5) Madyson(4) I am 26. We currently reside in West Australia. I found your blog recently from my sister in law who has lost two young girls from Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome... Hope all is well with you and you can come to terms with the passing of your child :)
Love, Michelle
Hi Holly :) I am April from Surprise, AZ (well, half AZ half CA). I have been following your blog for a couple months now. As you know, I lost my daughter Morgan in September of 2008, and we lost Blumpy, our wished-for baby, this past October.
I know there are a lot of things for us to be thankful for this year. It was hard for me to see up until a couple days ago. I was so wrapped up in the fact that I should still be pregnant, that I wasn't able to appreciate the time we were able to spend with Blumpy at his "birth". I am so thankful for that time. I am thankful for my family, and like Stitch said with regards to his family, "It's small, and broken, but still good... Yep, still good."
And hey, I am thankful for the fact that I just made my first ever sweet potato pie from scratch (and it's vegan)!
Hi Holly! I'm Juliet, currently living in California but originally from Australia. I have a son Lachlan who lived for 8 days.
Thank you for the comment you left on my blog! This is the first time I've visited your blog. I'm so sorry you lost your little girl.
Hi Holly,
I'm a lurker for the most part. I cannot begin to understand the pain of losing a child. I have been blessed with 4 of my own and 3 given to me by others, all of them with special needs of some kind and three of them who had many brushes with death, but somehow, given real miracles and some real "bitchy" actions taken by me, we were able to yank them back to life after each cardiac arrest, apneic episode, etc. May God watch over you and yours and help you keep finding blessings amidst sorrow.
Hi Holly,
I met you on cafemom before you found out about the anencephaly. I live in WV and have 3 children. I cried so much and prayed so much for you and your family. God bless you all :)
Lori
Hi Holly,
I know you already know me, but Ill post away.
My name is Angela and Im the mother to four boys. Blake 6, Aiden 4, Ethan who got his wings on 2/13/08 at 34wks 3 days into my pregnancy and Corbin who is 10 months old.
As of June of this year I became a photographer with Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. I love it and have thrown myself into it as much as possible.
It keeps me busy and keeps me having hope.
I think you of often and hope someday I get to meet some of you amazing people.
www.journeyingrief.blogspot.com
That is my grief blog where I let out all of my feelings and I love it
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