Chicago Trip – Part 1

On November 16th, Kelly and I left in the early morning to Bryan, OH to a small Amtrak station to catch our train to Chicago. The purpose of our trip was to meet with a perinatal hospice in the area called The Haven Network. Kelly had met with them once before but it was my first time to visit.

Our train was scheduled to leave at 7:05 am and we got there a little bit before thanks to Kelly’s fast driving! We thought we weren’t going to make it. Turns out, the train ended up being like 15 minutes late so we would have been ok! Of course, Evanee came with me and it would be her first train ride!

The train ride was great! The seats were comfortable and there was plenty of space. It was good traveling!! I know for sure if I ever need to travel a long distance I am going by train as it’s much better than taking a car IMO. We did take a little nap during the ride. Evanee enjoyed it since she didn’t have to be strapped in her car seat.

We ate breakfast in the dining car and we had french toast and it was SO GOOD. Some of the best french toast I’ve ever had.

After we arrived in Chicago we took a taxi to the shopping area. It was both mine and Evanee’s first taxi ride!

In the shopping area we went to the Hershey’s store (where we ate supper yummy chocolate PB cupcakes), the Ghirardelli, store, and then the Disney store. I ordered some princess dresses for Kyndra and Lainey. We also stopped by a Walgreens and I picked up an umbrella stroller to help tote Evanee and all our stuff around. It did help!

We then strolled over to Gino’s to eat lunch and where we were going to meet up with my BLM friend Mary (Lukas’ mom). I had never met Mary before IRL so I was excited to meet her. Lainey slept through about half of the lunch, which was good! She was tired! It was my first time eating Chicago style pizza and it was interesting and yummy!

After lunch we took the Metra train to Geneva where Kelly’s dad picked us up and took us back to his house. We ate this really yummy local BBQ place. Very good!!! I definitely was ready to crash once it came time for bed. I was so tired!

Road Trip {Lunch & Memorial}

On Saturday, October 15th we had the lunch that was at another church and was catered by a place called Meatheads. We had BBQ pulled pork and some other things and it was quite good! Of course, Kyndra didn’t eat anything. She’s always picky! The girls did enjoy running around the gym and playing. (Kyndra was playing with the stones she took from our hotel’s landscaping.)

Here is the pamphlet from the memorial that evening. I unfolded it and scanned it. You can click to make larger.

The first event of the evening was at Levee Park in Red Wing, MN. We had a balloon release there.

The next event was the lantern lighting at Central Park in Red Wing. Once we arrived we enjoyed listening to some songs.

Not long after the ceremony started everyone went up and lit them. I got both a lantern and a luminary for my babies Jordan and Carleigh.

I took a picture of Heather and her family. I couldn’t help but notice the Comfort Bear from Sufficient Grace Ministries.

I really like this photo that Heather’s daughter took.

Towards the end of the ceremony it was time for the speakers, which meant it was my turn!! I admit, I was definitely nervous. I have never spoken in front of anyone sharing our story of Carleigh. Anthony says he could tell I was nervous but I eventually settled into a good rhythm. It prolly didn’t help that I was a little chilly! The air wasn’t real cold but there was a crisp breeze that evening. A couple parts I got a little teary but I made it through! I’m so glad that I got to share.

After I shared my story it was Amanda’s turn and then Sherokee Isle spoke. If you’re not familiar with her she wrote the book Empty Arms: Coping After Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Death. I haven’t read the book but I am sure it is good. She was good at speaking and we were all glad that she had decided to join us that evening and speak. I even got to speak with her after everything was over and I felt better when she said I did a good job speaking.

Wanted to share also a pamphlet about the support offered by Anchored By Hope.

God brought us some friends

Recently I had the opportunity to meet a mom on Anencephaly Support who lives near to me. (She's close to where you're at Ashley!) Her name is Jenny and her husband is Josh. They lost their daughter, Kayden, on April 6, 2009 at 40 weeks. She was with them for 3 hours.

Now I do not believe it is coincidence that we just happened to meet. I think God brought us together. I really do! We've talked on the phone a couple times and I learned that they go to a Nazarene church too! Are you kidding me!? What are the odds of that!? Today we met Josh and Jenny in person. They were heading to a Reds game in Cincinnati so we met up at Bob Evans in Wilmington. It's so great to meet another Christian family in person who knows exactly what you're going through and how you feel. (Celia, I promise some day we will! Kathleen mentioned doing a big get-together some time and I think that would be really awesome!)

Let me tell you they are super nice! We ate lunch and talked. (I got biscuits and gravy.) We shared our experiences and feelings with each other. We were just like any other parents bragging about their children. :) It felt very comfortable to me.

Kyndra decided to act up a little but only because she was tired. Poor girl hadn't gotten a good nap in yet. She definitely didn't show her best side! (Way to make a first impression, Kyndra. lol)

I know for sure we would like to get together with them again. (I hope they feel the same!) Thank you, Lord, for bringing us together with such great people!