Monday, March 14, 2011

Hodge Podge

As Kelly would say this is gonna be a hodge podge post! :)

First some things to do with Carleigh's birthday...

Thanks to everyone who has responded to my event on FB for Carleigh's birthday saying that they would remember her in some way on the 28th. It's much appreciated! And for those family and friends who want to join us on the 26th for a small party it is gonna be at our house at 1pm. Anyone who wants to join us is welcome! We'll have some food and cake and then go to the cemetery for a balloon release. We hope that you will join us if you are able!

Speaking of cake, the cake is ordered and I can't wait to see it. I even ordered something today from The Midnight Orange to go on top of it. When I saw it I just had to buy it!

And speaking of The Midnight Orange, I also bought something to give away for Carleigh's birthday. :) I'm looking into a few more things to also give away. Of course, you can be sure I'll also have something from My Forever Child.

On the day of Carleigh's birthday, which is the 28th, I don't have to work since I work the weekend so I also had Anthony take the day off. We're gonna go do something together for the day. We're either gonna go to the Newport Aquarium or to the Creation Museum. We haven't decided which one yet. But also on that day before we head off to do whatever we choose to do we'll drop off 2 memory boxes to the hospital where I work. Franchesca is making up the actual memory boxes for me. I know I liked Carleigh's star memory box she made for me so it just seemed right. So far I've bought a disposable camera and a small lavender candle to go in each. Any recommendations on what else to put in there? Was there something you got in a memory box that was helpful? Was there something you wished you would've got? You'd think I would know but we didn't receive a memory box from the hospital because I knew that I would get one made later. They did offer one though.

I just wanted to share a little something that was shared with me recently. I received a message from a lady named Phyllis who used to be a friend of mine on Cafemom around the time when Carleigh was still with me. She said that she shared about me with her daughter. Through our journey she also found out about NILMDTS and she talked about it with her friend who was a photographer. From their conversation, the friend decided to volunteer for NILMDTS. Then Phyllis' daughter's friend Lacy had a son, Kolton, with anencephaly on November 23, 2010. Phyllis' friend is the photographer who ended up taking their NILMDTS photos. Phyllis thought that I would like to know that telling my story on CM ultimately helped Lacy because otherwise, there would not have been a NILMDTS photographer for her. Just a wow moment for me and proof that Carleigh's story did make an impact. And I'm so glad that Lacy was able to have NILMDTS photographer because those photos are a priceless treasure! Thank you, Phyllis, for sharing this with me especially as we draw closer to Carleigh's 2nd birthday. I just love hearing things like this.

If you've been around these parts for a while you may know that I'm a big supporter of Sufficient Grace Ministries. Kelly, who founded the ministry, even graced me with the honor of being a board member. But being that I live a couple hours away from the rest of the SGM crew it kinda limits what I can do with the ministry. One thing I can do for them is fundraisers. If you aren't aware, Sufficient Grace Ministries offers their products and services for free to all bereaved parents. Because of this, the ministry holds fundraisers so that they can keep offering these services for free and not have to charge parents for them. I know many families out there who have been on the receiving end of this ministry, including myself.

Recently I have taken part in a couple of online auctions and was inspired by them to hold my own online auction to benefit Sufficient Grace Ministries. Right now I am gathering items to auction off and have a good number of items so far. I am also looking for individuals and/or businesses/shops to donate items if they are willing. It could be something little or something big. Anything is appreciated!! If you are interested in helping out please send me an email at caring4carleigh@yahoo.com. I plan on holding the auction some time in the beginning of April. A definite date(s) has not been set yet but I will announce it as soon as it is. Thank you to those who have already helped out!!

14 comments:

Jennifer Ross said...

I bet it was so nice to hear that story from Phyllis, and how she shared your sweet Carleigh's life. It's unfortunate that the woman had to face the same loss, but encouraging, that through you, she was able to have beautiful priceless memories of her child.

You know that I will be thinking about Carleigh all day on her birthday! I will be lighting a candle in her memory too.

I really can't wait to see her beautiful cake. You have put so much love into her birthday..... and every day, remembering her....

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

I am excited to see the cake, too! What a blessing that Carleigh's life has touched yet another family...along with so many others. I love those gifts. Thanks so much for your continued support of Sufficient Grace and for your friendship. The auction sounds like a great idea. You are such a huge blessing.

Love you, girl!

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

By the way...I love a good hodge podge! =)

DandelionBreeze said...

Carleigh's cake will be amazing :)) All my thoughts are with you, her and your family on her birth day. You do such amazing work - the memory boxes sound like a lovely idea (they didn't have them at the hospital where I delivered but the little clothes made by volunteers were so special... maybe you could include some little clothes) and fundraising for Sufficient Grace Ministries.... you are an inspirational woman and an amazing mother xoxo

Melissa said...

Wish I could be there to help celebrate Carleighs birthday, but I will definitely have you, her and the family in my thoughts and prayers! <3

Raquel said...

You can count on me to have a candle lit in memory of Carleigh. Can't wait to hear more about the birthday plans. <3

Rachel's Mama said...

In my memory box: hand mold kit, photo album, journal, Chirstmas ornament with paint for a hand print. Laura from String of pearls sent it to me. It was awesome. So much help that I want to do that in the future too. I love how you do things that will keep Carleigh's name being spoken. You're a good Mama.

Caroline said...

How wonderful about the story. Gives me chills just reading what you wrote.

You know how our family just loves you all. We will def be celebrating w/candle & cake & some balloons. Kids have been counting down on the calander until Carleigh'sbirthday.

Can't wait to see her cake. Your just so Awesome Momma !!
<3 Carleigh <3

Mother Knows Best Reviews said...

What an incredibly beautiful story from Phyllis! That made me smile and tear up.

I can't wait to see the cake, as well!

Unknown said...

Wow, what a special circular journey Carleigh's story/life has made - finding it's way back to another anencephalphy family and blessing them with such precious photos. God is so good.

I too cannot wait to see the cake - topper and all!
Keep up all the great work Mommy...you are a vessel of God's love, grace and forgiveness. :)

Mary said...

Carleigh will continue to touch people's lives and that I know means so much.

I can't wait to see the cake.

Sarita Boyette said...

How wonderful that you were told this sweet story of how Carleigh's life has benefitted others! You have such a beautiful birthday celebration planned for her. xoxo

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I am looking forward to seeing what piece you ordered for Carleigh's cake. Have a beautiful family day celebrating Carleigh's birthday. It sounds like a great plan.

Unknown said...

You & Carleigh are truly inspiring! I am glad that Carleigh's story helped Phyllis' daughter find a NILMDTS photographer. I have become great friends with mine and those pictures are treasures and am so grateful for mine as well.

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